In this publication, I explore with Shin Koseki how multilevel collaborative governance can support the ethical and responsible deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) in cities, with a focus on underrepresented contexts such as small and medium-sized cities and those in the Global South. Through case studies of eThekwini (South Africa) and Thérèse-De Blainville (Quebec), we analyze how local governments navigate technical, financial, and ethical challenges in AI implementation. We investigate how collaboration across public, private, and nonprofit sectors helps bridge capacity gaps while raising complex issues of accountability and power. This research highlights the need for context-aware, inclusive governance frameworks and contributes practical recommendations for policymakers and urban planners. It positions multilevel collaboration as a key enabler of fair, transparent, and effective AI integration in diverse urban settings.