Cities around the world are getting smarter thanks to AI agents - special computer programs that can think and act on their own to solve problems. This weekly update shows how these digital helpers are changing the way cities work, from planning new buildings to fixing old roads.

Bellevue, Washington is leading the way with a new AI smart assistant that helps city planning workers every day. This AI helper knows all about the city's building rules, maps, and permit history. When residents ask questions about construction projects, the AI can quickly find the right rules and write draft answers with proper citations. The AI assistant works three different ways - through chat messages, emails, and voice conversations. But human workers always check the AI's work before sending anything to residents.

The AI assistant in Bellevue does more than just answer questions. It also looks at conversations between AI and city workers to find patterns about what residents care most about when building things. City leaders plan to let regular people use this AI tool too, so residents, designers, and contractors can get fast answers about building projects.

Experts say we're entering what they call the "Agentic Era" of AI for city infrastructure. This fancy name means AI systems are getting smarter - instead of just finding information, they're starting to take action on their own. Soon, AI agents will watch digital twins of important city structures like bridges, roads, and water systems. These digital twins are like computer copies that show exactly how real structures work. The AI agents will spot problems early and suggest fixes before expensive breakdowns happen.

Traffic management is getting a big boost from AI too. Researchers published a new study about AI strategies for fixing missing traffic data in smart cities. Sometimes traffic sensors break or don't collect information properly, leaving gaps in data that cities need to manage traffic flow. The new AI methods can fill in these missing pieces using two main approaches: structure-based methods that look for patterns, and learning-based methods that use advanced AI like neural networks. This helps cities predict traffic jams better and plan smarter transportation systems.

Money is pouring into AI infrastructure at record levels. Nvidia, a major AI chip company, predicts global spending on AI infrastructure will reach $3-4 trillion by 2030. This massive investment will build new data centers and computer systems that power AI agents in cities. Land prices for data center projects have jumped up to 40% as companies rush to build these facilities. The demand is so high that some companies are even thinking about putting data centers on the ocean floor or in space.

In the United States, the government is making it easier to build AI infrastructure. President Trump signed an executive order in July 2025 requiring federal agencies to speed up the permit process for AI data centers. The government also identified 16 federal land sites that could work for new data center construction. Pennsylvania got $90 billion in funding for AI infrastructure, though some people worry about environmental impacts.

Cities are finding creative ways to use AI for infrastructure inspection and maintenance. Washington, D.C. is using AI to visually check critical infrastructure like water mains and sewage pipes. This AI-powered inspection finds problems much faster than human workers alone. The technology helps cities maintain their infrastructure better while spending less money.

The fiscal benefits of AI for cities are becoming clear. City budgets spend most money on human services like education, healthcare, and public safety - all areas where AI can help improve quality while controlling costs. AI systems can handle repetitive tasks, letting human workers focus on more important jobs that require judgment and creativity.

Some cities are thinking differently about AI implementation. Amsterdam serves as an example of putting people before technology when using AI for urban planning. This approach shows that the smartest cities focus on how AI helps residents rather than just using technology for its own sake.

The shift toward AI agents in city operations faces some challenges. Workers and unions sometimes worry that AI will take their jobs. City leaders need to communicate clearly that AI will help workers become more efficient rather than replace them. The goal is to free people from boring, repetitive tasks so they can focus on safety, fairness, and community needs.

Looking ahead, the success of AI in cities will depend on good planning and partnerships between government and private companies. Cities need to train their workers to use AI tools effectively and explain to residents how these systems help everyone. The infrastructure industry is moving toward AI systems that don't just analyze information but actually help make decisions and solve problems automatically. This transformation promises to make cities more efficient, safer, and better places to live for everyone.