The city of Lancaster in southwest California has announced plans to use AI to streamline building permits in an effort to reduce planning bottlenecks while fast-tracking approvals, becoming one of the first cities in the US to do so.
The city is working with AI company Labrynth in a public-private partnership, with AI being used to screen permits against requirements, while flagging any missing components and offering guides for best practices.
R. Rex Parris, Lancaster’s mayor, said: “We’re not just keeping up with the future—we’re shaping it. Together, we’re transforming regulatory complexity into an engine for economic growth, speeding up innovation and delivering better services for our residents and businesses.”
Labrynth’s analytical tool called the Red Tape City Index will be expanded to include 500 cities across the US in the next month, a ranked list measuring regulatory speed and clarity.
Stuart Lacey Labrynth’s chief executive, said: “As cities nationwide look to reduce delays, attract investment and accelerate innovation, Lancaster’s partnership with Labrynth sets a replicable model.”
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