Hanna pilots AI-powered podcast
The Town of Hanna is exploring new ways to share municipal updates with the launch of Hanna in Focus, a podcast created with the help of artificial intelligence (AI).
The AI tool converts council meeting content and staff reports into short, conversational audio episodes, the town has introduced a more accessible way to keep residents informed. Staff can generate a script directly from municipal documents in just a few minutes, streamlining the process of turning formal reports into audio content. The result is a podcast that offers residents a clear and convenient way to stay up to date on local decisions and initiatives.
Recent episodes have featured clear, easy-to-follow summaries of topics such as changes to dog license fees and the introduction of an AI governance policy. What makes the podcast especially noteworthy is how it’s produced—using AI to simplify complex municipal information and present it in an accessible and easily digestible format.
Hanna’s initiative also reflects a broader shift in how local governments are using everyday digital tools to streamline communication. Technologies that summarize text, generate plain-language explanations, or assist in drafting content are becoming more accessible and are helping smaller municipalities share timely updates with residents in a more consistent and resource-efficient way.
Through its use of AI tools to generate timely and informative content, the Town of Hanna is showing how even small municipalities can use innovative technology to help residents stay connected.
For more information, please contact hylann [at] abmunis.ca (Hylann Ma), Growth and Innovation Manager.
