Waterloo city hall has decided not to use generative artificial intelligence to create images or videos in its graphic design and communications work, with spokesperson Cari Van Niekerk stating, “We made a decision that for the City of Waterloo, staff won’t use generative AI images or videos in our graphic design work, in our communications work.” The city aims to use AI to assist but not replace human creativity, meaning it still intends to pay actors and use photographers. In contrast, Cambridge city hall used AI to generate cartoon characters, including “Lenny Lend a Hand” and “Ivan Impatient,” in a social media campaign this past winter. Cambridge spokesperson Alana Russell said AI can assist with efficiency and generating ideas while graphic design staff provide expertise, and that this approach “positions the city as a leader in forward-thinking technology.” Kitchener and Waterloo both deploy AI search functions on city websites, but Waterloo cautions that “AI-generated summaries may not be correct depending on the information available to the system,” while Kitchener’s website includes a disclaimer stating “Results may contain errors. Please verify important details.”