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Commentary: Our public contracts shape the city we become, and we should be intentional about who and what we fund with public dollars.
The author, a co-founder of a San Antonio communications firm, observes a significant shift where artificial intelligence is increasingly dominating tasks within his industry, such as press releases, website copy, and branding. He notes the overwhelming speed and apparent polish of AI outputs, predicting that by 2029, most small businesses will use AI platforms for website creation instead of hiring firms, driven by lower costs and faster delivery, despite the resulting products being 'flatter, colder, and interchangeable'.
San Antonio's current procurement process, designed to award evaluation points to local and small businesses, is facing an unprecedented challenge from the rise of AI. The author argues that this system is ill-equipped to compete against machine-driven platforms which offer cheaper, faster, and 24/7 available services. This poses a significant risk to the small business ecosystem, which traditionally relies on identity, trust, and local knowledge, potentially leading to the disappearance of what makes San Antonio's small businesses unique and valuable.
To protect and support the local small business community, the author proposes a proactive solution: integrating 'human points' into the City of San Antonio's procurement process. This system would award additional evaluation points to vendors whose work is primarily performed by human professionals, emphasizing accountability and real-world experience. Vendors would be required to verifiably disclose their use of AI and automation. This initiative aims to value human labor over purely machine-generated products, making a powerful statement about the city's priorities.
The article concludes by emphasizing that public contracts are instrumental in shaping the city's future, and decisions about what and whom to fund with public dollars should be intentional. By prioritizing human work, San Antonio can foster economic circulation, support family-owned businesses, and instigate grassroots growth. Implementing 'human points' would not only be a practical change to a scoring sheet but also a symbolic declaration of the city's commitment to its people and the unique character they bring to the community.