AI + Community
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the capability of computer systems to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence—such as reasoning, learning, problem-solving.
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What is AI + Community?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the capability of computer systems to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence—such as reasoning, learning, problem-solving.
AI has moved from the edges of science fiction into the everyday machinery of modern life.
It now shapes how we apply for a job, route an ambulance, screen a mortgage, write a school assignment, summon a customer service agent, and even hear back from city hall. For most of us, AI is no longer a single product we choose to use; it is a layer of infrastructure quietly running underneath the institutions we already depend on.
That makes AI a community issue, not just a technology issue. Its arrival changes the social and economic structure of a place — what kinds of jobs exist, who can do them, who is left behind, which civic systems work for residents and which leave them stuck on hold. The proliferation of AI brings community challenges related to environmental, land use and economic development impacts.
AI changes the texture of community connectedness, too: how neighbors find one another, how trust is built or eroded, how local government listens. In communities where economic mobility, racial equity, and civic participation have long been central conversations, AI could accelerate progress or deepen old gaps, depending on the choices we make right now.
Key Facts
Scroll down for key facts on AI + community
9th
is where Charlotte ranks among large U.S. metros for workers in AI-enhanced roles
7,000
job postings requiring AI skills in Charlotte metro area in 2025
31%
of Americans in 2025 say they interact with AI at least several times a day, up from 22% in February 2024
23.2
million American jobs have been impacted by AI
33%
of U.S. workers have low or no digital skills due to historic underinvestment
44%
of CMS staff said they’ve used AI at work, while 59% also expressed concern about academic integrity and its impact on interpersonal skills
Sources
- The New Map of AI Work: San Jose Builds It & New York Scales It
- How AI could bolster Charlotte — and exacerbate its disparities
- Key findings about how Americans view artificial intelligence
- AI's Wake-Up Call: New SHRM Research Reveals 23.2 Million American Jobs Already Impacted
- New Report: 92% of Jobs Require Digital Skills, One-Third of Workers Have Low or No Digital Skills Due to Historic Underinvestment, Structural Inequities
- CMS survey results suggest openness to using AI in classrooms
What is happening now?
National momentum on AI policy and workforce readiness has accelerated sharply over the past eighteen months. The U.S. Department of Labor released an AI Literacy Framework in early 2026 to guide public workforce and education systems, while the Brookings Institution’s Mapping the AI Economy report and Pew Research Center’s tracking of public attitudes have given regions, employers, and civic leaders a shared evidence base.
In North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein’s September 2025 Executive Order on AI established an AI Leadership Council, with the stated aim to become the most AI-literate in the nation.
Locally, a range of efforts are creating civic infrastructure for AI — one still uneven across neighborhoods, but visibly under construction.
The City of Charlotte’s Innovation & Technology Department published a 3-Year Strategic AI Roadmap that governs governance, ethics, and department-by-department adoption. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) is developing classroom guidance that aims to embrace AI without sacrificing critical thinking.
UNC Charlotte launched the Charlotte AI Institute (CLT AI Institute) in February 2025, alongside new bachelor’s and master’s pathways in AI and a proposed AI-and-humanities program that would be the first of its kind in the UNC System.
The nonprofit sector is beginning to follow suit, as organizations like Apparo, Charlotte Works, the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, and the Robinson Center for Civic Leadership at Foundation for the Carolinas are exploring use of AI as a tool to help solve large-scale issues in the community and create responsible, equitable, and positive impacts.
Donate or volunteer now
To donate and volunteer with nonprofits working in AI + Community, visit SHARE Charlotte’s directory for Technology, STEM/STEAM, and Digital Literacy.
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Starting points
These six organizations are good starting points for someone new to this topic to learn more.
Charlotte is home to a growing network of people and organizations who believe in building a stronger, more connected community for all.
Explore more resources below.
Explore More
fftc:FWD provides starting points and exploration options for each fftc:FWD topic. Extensive directories of nonprofit organizations working in this topic can be found through the Share Charlotte Donate and Volunteer options above. The organizations below include some nonprofits suggested by the community, but also include government agencies, private sector initiatives, collaborations, and other efforts from across sectors.
Apparo connects nonprofits with technology expertise and resources to amplify impact and strengthen communities.
Nonprofit serving 100 North Carolina counties focused on expanding affordable internet access.
Charlotte AI Institute advances interdisciplinary AI research, innovation, and education to shape a responsible AI future.
City of Charlotte Innovation & Technology delivers secure, innovative technology solutions that enhance city services and empower residents.
Charlotte’s leader in workforce development empowers job seekers by supporting their employment.
The library doesn’t just provide Wi-Fi; it builds digital confidence through a variety of services.
Central Piedmont’s AI program prepares students for careers in machine learning, generative AI, data science, and emerging technologies.
Innovate Charlotte connects founders, investors, and resources to grow Charlotte’s innovation-driven startup ecosystem.
North Carolina Department of Information Technology provides secure technology, cybersecurity, and digital services for North Carolina communities.
NC TECH is North Carolina’s leading technology association, fostering innovation, talent development, and industry collaboration.
RevTech Labs supports fintech and insurtech startups through mentorship, funding, accelerators, and innovation programs.
Tools and Resources
Everything you need in one place. Browse articles, reports, and tools that support your journey.
Lingo to Know
Every topic has its own vocabulary. Learn a few key words here so you can explore with confidence.
Automation
The use of technology to complete tasks with minimal human involvement.
Bias (in AI)
When an AI system produces unfair results because of flawed data or design choices.
Generative AI
AI that can create original content such as text, images, video, audio or software code in response to a user’s prompt or request.
Innovation
The practical implementation of new ideas, methods, products, or services that create value, improve efficiency, or solve problems.
Prompt
A specific input given to an artificial intelligence model to trigger a response or creative output.
Workforce reskilling
Helping workers learn new skills so they can succeed as jobs change.
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