On Monday, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced an executive order aimed at accelerating the permitting process for housing and small businesses in the city. A key component of this initiative will involve the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to assist both permit applicants and city staff in their review processes. According to the mayor’s office, the AI pilot program, which operates under the city’s Responsible Artificial Intelligence policy, has the potential to reduce housing review times by 50% or more.
The new citywide initiative, known as the Permitting and Customer Trust (PACT) Team, is designed to tackle Seattle’s pressing housing shortage and affordability crisis by cutting through bureaucratic red tape, minimizing delays, and providing clear, consistent guidance. PACT also seeks to alleviate the challenges that small businesses face, such as high startup costs, lengthy timelines, and ambiguous requirements that can impede growth.
Seattle’s Innovation and Performance team is collaborating with the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) and Seattle IT to implement this initiative. A pilot AI program commenced in April, with a public rollout of the technology anticipated in 2026. The mayor’s order outlines several ways in which AI is expected to enhance the permitting process:…