50 ChatGPT Prompts for State and Local Government

Prompts play a crucial role in guiding generative AI technologies like ChatGPT to produce useful and relevant responses. Crafting your prompts to include clear and concise instructions on the information or assistance you’re seeking will maximize the benefits of ChatGPT and similar tools.

We have curated 50 example ChatGPT prompts to demonstrate how public sector employees can use generative AI technologies to increase efficiency, eliminate manual administrative work and enhance their day-to-day tasks.

These example prompts address a range of functions, from drafting communications and analyzing data to creating strategic plans and evaluating policies. To use them, simply paste the relevant text into the bracketed areas and utilize the AI-generated responses to save time and augment your existing workstreams.

EXAMPLE CHATGPT PROMPTS FOR PUBLIC SECTOR

1. Generate a summary of key points from this [paste policy text].
2. Draft an email response to this citizen inquiry [paste inquiry text].
3. Provide instructions for creating a visual representation, such as a chart or graph, for this [paste data source text].
4. Create a list of potential risks and mitigation strategies for this [paste project description text].
5. Draft a press release for this [paste event or announcement text].
6. Create an outline for a presentation on [paste topic text] for a public sector audience.
7. Write a concise briefing note on this [paste issue or policy text].
8. Generate a list of frequently asked questions and answers for this [paste government program text].
9. Identify key potential stakeholders and their interests for this [paste project or initiative text].
10. Create an executive summary of this [paste research report text].
11. Write a social media post to promote this [paste event or initiative text].
12. Summarize the findings of this [paste survey or study text].
13. Draft a meeting agenda for a discussion on [paste topic text].
14. Write a letter to a constituent addressing their concerns about [paste issue text].
15. Develop a project plan for this [paste project description text] with milestones and deadlines.
16. Analyze the budget data from this [paste financial document text] and identify areas for cost savings.
17. Create a set of recommendations for improving this [paste process or procedure text].
18. Write a grant proposal for this [paste project or program text].
19. Generate a list of key performance indicators for this [paste department or initiative text].
20. Draft a memo to update stakeholders on the progress of this [paste project or initiative text].
21. Create talking points for a public meeting on [paste topic or issue text].
22. Develop a policy proposal for this [paste problem or challenge text].
23. Write a job description for a new position in the [paste department or agency text].
24. Create a set of interview questions for a candidate applying to this [paste job position text].
25. Draft a request for proposals (RFP) for this [paste project or service text].
26. Write a report on the impact of this [paste legislation or policy text] on the community
27. Develop a communication plan for this [paste initiative or campaign text].
28. Create a training module for employees on [paste topic or skill text].
29. Draft a performance evaluation for this [paste employee or team member text].
30. Analyze the feedback from this [paste public consultation or survey text] and identify key themes.
31. Write a letter of support for this [paste organization or project text].
32. Create a SWOT analysis for this [paste department or program text].
33. Develop a risk assessment for this [paste event or situation text].
34. Write an op-ed on the importance of this [paste policy or initiative text].
35. Draft a speech for a public official on [paste topic or issue text].
36. Summarize the key points of this [paste meeting or conference text].
37. Create a set of best practices for this [paste process or task text].
38. Write a case study on the successful implementation of this [paste policy or initiative text] highlighting [implementation benefits or takeaways].
39. Develop a public engagement strategy for this [paste project or issue text].
40. Create a timeline of key events related to this [paste policy or initiative text] based on [paste list of relevant activities].
41. Write a white paper on the benefits and challenges of this [paste technology or trend text].
42. Draft an annual report for this [paste department or agency text] highlighting [list of updates, key activities, changes].
43. Create a checklist for this [paste process or task text].
44. Write a set of example guidelines for this [paste program or initiative text].
45. Develop a strategic plan for this [paste department or agency text].
46. Analyze the data from this [paste report or study text] and identify key trends.
47. Create a list of resources for citizens on [paste topic or service text].
48. Draft a contingency plan for this [paste event or scenario text].
49. Write a progress report for this [paste project or initiative text].
50. Develop a set of evaluation criteria for this [paste program or policy text].

PROMPT ENGINEERING WITH QUALIFIERS

You can use clarifiers to improve the accuracy and relevance of responses created by the AI model. Include specific details like budget, population, targeted demographics or other contextual factors. Phrasing your prompt as a question or direct request can help guide the AI’s response.

Here are example clarifiers. To incorporate them, simply add the appropriate details within the text of your prompt.

• Budget: [insert amount]
  
• Population: [insert number]
  
• Targeted demographics: [specify age group, income level, etc.]
  
• Targeted impacts: [List desired outcomes, e.g., environmental, economic, social]
  
• Historical data points on impact: [mention relevant data or trends]
  
• Geographic region: [specify urban, rural or specific region]
  
• Time frame: [indicate short, medium or long term]
  
• Policy or initiative context: [describe relevant background information]
  
• Stakeholder groups: [list key stakeholders involved]
  
• Resource constraints: [mention limitations, e.g., staff, funding, technology]
  
• Prioritization criteria: [specify factors for decision-making]
  
• Collaboration opportunities: [identify potential partnerships]
  
• Accessibility requirements: [mention needs for residents with disabilities or other groups]
  
• Sustainability goals: [list environmental or social sustainability objectives]
  
• Cultural or historical considerations: [describe relevant context]

ROLE-PLAYING WITH CHATGPT PROMPTING

You can also use ChatGPT to role-play both internal and external conversations, simulating interactions with stakeholders like council members, city managers, chief financial officers, concerned citizens, small business owners and more. This can help you improve your communication skills, understand different perspectives and enhance your decision-making.

CHATGPT PROMPTING BEST PRACTICES

Crafting contextual prompts is essential to generate accurate and relevant responses. These best practices can help you optimize the quality of your prompts to increase the relevancy of AI-generated outputs.

1. Be specific: Clearly articulate the outcome, format or type of response you want to help the AI model generate an appropriate response.
   
2. Be concise: Providing context is crucial but try to keep your prompt concise to avoid overwhelming the model with unnecessary information.
   
3. Use proper grammar and punctuation: Writing your prompt with correct grammar and punctuation helps the model understand the context and provide a more accurate response.
   
4. Experiment with phrasings: If you’re not getting the desired results, try rephrasing your prompt or approaching the topic from a different angle.
   
5. Break complex tasks into smaller parts: Consider breaking complex requests into smaller questions or steps, and provide each as a separate prompt.
   
6. Use step-by-step instructions: Sometimes providing a numbered list of instructions can help the AI model generate a more structured and accurate response.
   
7. Set response constraints: If your response requires a specific length or format, explicitly state those parameters in the prompt.
   
8. Provide examples: Including examples of desired responses or formats within your prompt can help the AI model understand your expectations.
9. Iterate and refine: Re-prompt the AI model if the initial response isn’t accurate or relevant. This iterative process can help you fine tune the prompting strategy and improve the quality of the generated output.

THE FUTURE OF YOUR GENERATIVE AI

As you explore ChatGPT’s potential, experiment with different prompts and scenarios to unlock the full benefits of generative AI. But as your organization expands its use of these tools, it’s also crucial to establish policies and clearly defined use cases to mitigate risks and ensure responsible use.

Engage with relevant stakeholders and experts in the field to develop appropriate guidelines and policies for the use of ChatGPT and other generative AI models. As the pace of technological progress accelerates, jurisdictions must address potential ethics, privacy, accuracy and compliance issues related to the use of these powerful tools.

We look forward to following your evolving use of generative AI as a force multiplier and welcome any feedback, ideas, or sharing of your own use cases as you embark upon your journey.

• Learn More About Generative AI
  
• ChatGPT
  
• DALL-E (Image Creation)
  
• Government Technology
  
• Center for Digital Government
  
• Center for Digital Education
  
• Making ChatGPT Work for You [PDF]