16 August 2025
by Jonathan Andrews
Dallas has become the first major city in Texas to introduce artificial intelligence into its procurement operations, partnering with Hazel, an AI-powered platform, to accelerate public service delivery and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The system will automate time-consuming steps in the procurement process, cutting the period from project scoping to issuing a request for proposals from months to days. City officials say this will reduce costs, improve transparency, and bring a wider range of vendors into the process.
Juanita Ortiz, Director of Procurement Services, said the partnership was designed to reshape how contracts are managed.
“We are reimagining procurement services to better meet our mission of providing excellent customer service through strategic, sustainable practices,” she said. “Our partnership with this technology allows us to increase competition, enhance transparency, and expand access for small and local businesses delivering smarter, faster, and more inclusive outcomes for the City of Dallas.”
Faster procurement timelines are expected to benefit projects such as housing programmes, airport upgrades, and other public works. The platform is also intended to open up opportunities for small and minority-owned firms that often struggle to access city contracts.
The technology works alongside procurement teams, simplifying complex workflows, improving project visibility, and ensuring greater consistency across departments.
City leaders describe the collaboration as part of a broader programme of investment in digital tools that strengthen core government functions. With one of the fastest-growing populations in the US, Dallas faces pressure to deliver services and infrastructure at pace. Officials believe scalable AI platforms can help governments act more quickly while maintaining oversight and accountability.
“Dallas is proving that good government and great technology go hand in hand,” said August Chen, Co-Founder and CEO of Hazel AI. “This partnership shows what’s possible when a city brings bold leadership to the table.”
Image: Mihai Andritoiu | Dreamstime.com