The United States took concrete steps toward national AI infrastructure this week. The Department of Energy’s April 7 RFI identified 16 federal sites for potential AI data center development, aiming to start construction by late 2025. Unlike previous clean energy mandates, this initiative allows flexible power sources including nuclear reactors and carbon capture systems, reflecting the Trump administration’s energy priorities. This move aligns with broader federal efforts to maintain technological competitiveness through public-private partnerships on government land.

Globally, professional adoption of AI reached new heights. Arup’s survey of 15,000 engineers revealed 37% now use AI daily for tasks ranging from traffic pattern analysis to structural simulations. Respondents reported 20-30% efficiency gains in projects like subway system design and flood prevention modeling. This rapid adoption is driving smart city projects from Beijing to Barcelona, though experts warn about algorithmic bias risks in underrepresented regions.

Two cities demonstrated applied AI urbanism. China’s Yizhuang district deployed a vehicle-road-cloud fusion system that reduced traffic accidents by 18% in trials, while AI triage systems cut hospital wait times by 40%. In Lagos, Nigeria, engineers implemented AI-powered bus routing to serve 2 million daily riders more effectively, addressing chronic overcrowding through real-time demand prediction.

Academic and policy circles advanced AI governance frameworks through the AI and Cities International Forum. Over 1,200 participants discussed ethical challenges like data sovereignty in multinational projects and methods to prevent AI-driven gentrification. University of Washington researchers proposed treating AI as critical infrastructure, arguing for regulatory standards similar to those governing electrical grids and water systems.

Energy debates intensified as the U.S. AI infrastructure plan drew criticism from environmental groups. While DOE’s RFI mentions carbon capture compatibility, critics argue the lack of renewable energy requirements could increase emissions from data centers. Proponents counter that the flexibility enables faster deployment in regions with limited clean energy access, prioritizing technological parity between urban and rural areas.