Berkeley Adopts "The Berkeley Rule," A New Model For Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence In Government

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2026

BERKELEY ADOPTS "THE BERKELEY RULE," A NEW MODEL FOR HUMAN-CENTERED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN GOVERNMENT

Berkeley, California - On March 10, 2026, the Berkeley City Council adopted "The Berkeley Rule," a landmark framework for the ethical and human-centered use of artificial intelligence in government.

Authored by Councilmember Ben Bartlett and co-authored by Councilmember Igor Tregub, the Berkeley Rule establishes ten principles for the use of artificial intelligence in public operations. At its core, the policy places the well-being of residents front and center.

Cities are facing a shared reality. Public needs are growing while budgets are tightening. To continue delivering essential services, governments must find ways to do more with less. The Berkeley Rule recognizes that responsible innovation, guided by democratic values and public oversight, can help meet that challenge.

The Berkeley Rule establishes clear principles for transparency, accountability, and human oversight so that artificial intelligence strengthens public service while protecting civil liberties and democratic values.

"Artificial intelligence will reshape how governments operate," said Councilmember Ben Bartlett. "The Berkeley Rule sets a simple standard. Technology must serve people. Every decision about AI must place the well-being of our residents front and center."

The Berkeley Rule serves as both a practical guide for governments and a powerful signal to the technology sector to innovate for civic good. The goal is technology that improves everyday services, strengthens democratic accountability, and expands opportunity for residents.

Imagine a resident who receives a parking ticket, needs a permit for a small business, and is trying to find information about housing assistance. Today, that person has to navigate multiple departments, websites, and long wait times. With the tools envisioned in the Berkeley Rule, that same resident could simply state their request, instantly apply for services, and seek review or appeal of a decision within minutes. The goal is simple. Make government easier to use and more responsive to the people it serves.

The Berkeley Rule introduces several civic innovations designed for the age of artificial intelligence.

Digital Ombudsman and Civic Concierge
A resident-facing AI advocate that helps people navigate city services, find information, and apply for permits, programs, and benefits. Residents can also quickly request review or appeal of city decisions such as parking tickets, permit determinations, or other administrative actions, with rapid response and human oversight when needed.

The Frictionless City
Artificial intelligence tools that reduce bureaucratic delays, speed up permitting, improve 311 services, and optimize traffic patterns and infrastructure planning.

Civic Wealth and a Public Data Economy
New approaches that responsibly use public assets and public data to generate shared prosperity. These models could support neighborhood marketplaces, local investment opportunities, and community-based economic growth.

The policy also establishes safeguards to ensure that high-impact AI systems affecting areas such as housing, hiring, or public safety operate with transparency, human oversight, and public accountability.

"The Berkeley Rule provides a thoughtful framework for using emerging technologies responsibly," said Councilmember Igor Tregub. "By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and community oversight, Berkeley can help lead the way in ensuring that technology serves the public good."

Bartlett added:
"Artificial intelligence should make government work better for ordinary people. Here's the thing: If we do nothing, AI happens to us. But what if we happen to AI? Let's meet the moment and shape this technology so it strengthens our communities and improves people's lives."

With the adoption of the Berkeley Rule, Berkeley is charting a path for government in the age of artificial intelligence. The goal is simple. Technology should improve everyday life, strengthen our communities, and expand opportunity while protecting the freedoms that define our democracy.

Contact:
Councilmember Ben Bartlett
Berkeley City Council
District 3
bbartlett@berkeleyca.gov
(510) 981-7130

James Chang
Chief of Staff
Councilmember Ben Bartlett
jchang@berkeleyca.gov

Artemisia Ace
Legislative Director
Councilmember Ben Bartlett
aspencermace@berkeleyca.gov

Office of Councilmember Ben Bartlett
City of Berkeley
2180 Mivlia Street
Floor 5
Berkeley, ca 94704

Ben Bartlett is a 5th generation Berkeley native, attorney, and lifelong advocate for equity and inclusion. As the son of political activists, Bartlett learned the value of community and the necessity of progress. Those values of innovation, opportunity, and inclusion continue to inform his work, serving as the City Councilmember representing South Berkeley, District 3, and beyond.

This release was published on openPR.