New Brunswick Installs Local AI for Council Meetings
The city deployed an on-premise transcription system to support nearly 100 languages for public access.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Language Learning
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New Brunswick has implemented an on-premise AI transcription and translation system to improve communication during City Council meetings. The technology supports approximately 100 languages and assists residents who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Why it matters
City officials chose to operate the system entirely on-premises without internet or cloud connectivity to maintain data security. This project aims to remove language barriers that were previously addressed only by limited human translation.
The system offers 98 percent accuracy for its transcription services and supports roughly 100 different languages. It includes a customizable glossary designed to recognize specific city-related names and local places.
The players
New Brunswick City Council
This is the primary governing body of the city that conducts public meetings and oversees local legislative processes.
AlltecPro
This technology firm specializes in professional audio and infrastructure systems for government facilities.
The details
AlltecPro upgraded the council chamber sound system so that each microphone uses an individual channel, allowing the software to identify exactly which council member is speaking. While the system has advanced capabilities, the city decided against enabling real-time translation features on mobile devices.
Timeline
The city launched the AI transcription tool in 2024.
The project reached completion in October 2026.
Culture Shift
This transition reflects a broader societal movement toward integrating AI tools to meet the digital accessibility requirements established by the Americans with Disabilities Act. It marks a departure from traditional manual interpretation toward automated, infrastructure-based inclusivity.
Residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speak a primary language other than English can now access more equitable participation during city meetings. These changes simplify the way citizens follow local legislative discussions without requiring the use of personal mobile devices.
The takeaway
The move demonstrates how cities can prioritize data security while still adopting sophisticated AI-driven tools. Local leaders should evaluate whether their current infrastructure can support similar individual-channel audio upgrades to improve public accessibility.
Further reading
Learn more about how digital tools are changing municipal communication at the Language Learning section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Government Technology.
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