From DMV lines to building permits: How AI can finally fix government headaches

By Brandon Davis  

Nevada News and Views

Government doesn’t always have the best reputation when it comes to speed or customer service. Anyone who’s stood in line at the DMV or waited months for a building permit knows how slow things can get.

But there’s a new tool that could make a big difference if government leaders are willing to use it: artificial intelligence.

A new report from Nucamp (Aug. 24, 2025) outlined 10 ways AI can help government agencies work smarter. The basic idea is simple: let computers handle routine tasks so people can spend their time serving citizens instead of drowning in paperwork.

Nevada’s Modernization Efforts

Nevada is already moving toward modernization with its CORE.NV project, which is replacing outdated state finance and HR systems. Adding AI into efforts like this could save millions of taxpayer dollars.

The potential savings are not small. A Deloitte study found that automation in government could save as much as 1.1 billion work hours every year nationwide, which translates to around $37 billion. That’s money that could go back into schools, roads, or even lowering taxes.

For example, Clark County processes thousands of business license renewals and building permits every year. Imagine if AI software could automatically flag missing information, cutting weeks off approval times. Or if chatbots could answer the most common DMV questions 24/7, saving families hours of frustration.

Real Benefits for Nevada Communities

Here are some of the top uses Nucamp highlighted that would make sense right here in Nevada:

—Chatbots for Citizens: Instead of waiting on hold, residents could get instant answers to DMV or licensing questions.

—Budget Planning Tools: AI could help forecast police staffing needs in fast-growing areas like Summerlin or Henderson, making sure law enforcement keeps up with population growth.

—Plain-Language Translations: AI can take complex state documents and turn them into something normal folks can actually read and understand.

—Fraud Detection: Nevada has had real problems with unemployment fraud. AI systems could spot suspicious claims before tax dollars are wasted.

These aren’t futuristic ideas. Businesses are already using AI for customer service, fraud protection, and scheduling. If Las Vegas casinos and small farms in Elko can use these tools, why shouldn’t state and local government?

Addressing the Concerns

Of course, critics raise concerns. Some worry about privacy, while others fear AI might eventually replace human workers. Those questions are fair, but they’re not reasons to slam on the brakes.

Just like we set rules for police body cameras or online public records, we can put safeguards in place for AI. The Office of Management and Budget already has a federal framework for managing risks. Nevada can follow that roadmap to make sure technology is used responsibly and transparently.

A Conservative Approach to Better Government

Conservatives have long argued that government should do more with less. That doesn’t mean cutting services people rely on. It means making those services faster, cheaper, and less of a headache.

Governor Joe Lombardo has spoken about modernization before, saying the goal should be to “improve service to Nevadans while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.” AI fits that mission perfectly.

Think about it:

—A farmer in Elko could get quick answers about water rights.

—A parent in Reno could schedule a school board meeting online without waiting weeks.

—A small business owner in Las Vegas could renew a license in hours instead of months.

These aren’t pipe dreams. They’re practical ways to make government leaner, more accountable, and more citizen-friendly.

The Bottom Line

Government doesn’t need more red tape. It needs smart solutions. AI gives Nevada a chance to lead the way by delivering services that are faster, cheaper, and better for the people paying the bills.

It’s time to stop treating AI as something far off in the future. Nevada should start putting it to work today.

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Brandon Davis is President of DOGE NEVADA, a nonprofit dedicated to exposing government waste, fraud, and abuse in public spending.