From Experimentation to Everyday Use: New Council Research on AI in Public Affairs
September 2026
AI has moved from experiment to everyday tool in public affairs.
Nearly all organizations surveyed — 99% — are now using artificial intelligence, according to a new Public Affairs Council benchmarking report examining how public affairs professionals and their organizations are adopting, governing and investing in AI.
The newly released AI in Public Affairs: 2026 Benchmarking Report draws on responses collected in May and June from public affairs professionals. While AI use is widespread, many organizations are still figuring out what comes next. Forty percent of respondents describe their organization’s approach as tactical and focused primarily on efficiency, while just 7% say AI is embedded in strategic decision-making.
Organizations are also formalizing how AI is used. Seventy-three percent now have an organization-wide AI use policy, up from 33% in 2024. But budgets and measurement haven’t kept pace: Only 30% have a dedicated AI budget line, and just 12% have formal metrics in place to measure AI’s impact.
For practitioners, efficiency remains the clearest benefit. Eighty-one percent cite improved efficiency and time management as one of AI’s greatest advantages. And despite ongoing debate about AI and the workforce, respondents are more concerned about accuracy, security and professional skills than job displacement.
The research suggests that widespread adoption is only the beginning. The next challenge is determining how to integrate AI effectively, govern its use and understand the value it delivers.
The full report takes a deeper look at how public affairs professionals are using AI, how organizations are approaching governance and training, where they are investing and what practitioners expect in the years ahead.
The full AI in Public Affairs: 2026 Benchmarking Report is available exclusively to Council members.
Not a Council member? Membership provides access to exclusive research and benchmarking, professional development, expert guidance and a network of public affairs professionals. Learn more about Council membership and join at pac.org/join.
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The next challenge is determining how to integrate AI effectively, govern its use and understand the value it delivers.
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