The AI Exploratory Committee of the National Association of Counties (NACo) has published a report for local governments on integrating artificial intelligence. The report highlights both the risks and opportunities associated with AI.
Back in May, NACo announced its formation of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Exploratory Committee. The goal of the committee is to examine emerging policies, practices, and potential applications and consequences of AI. You can read more about MACo’s coverage of the formation of the Committee here.
The newly released report, known as the AI County Compass, is intended to offer counties practical and safe recommendations. The report covers four main areas: Enable Responsible Applications, Promote Policy Models, Establish an Ethical Framework, and Prepare the Workforce.
According to an article from Government Technology, the report offers a toolkit for county governments, who have a vested interest in shaping and overseeing the development and implementation of AI. The toolkit includes insights from a survey of county officials and staff, revealing widespread use of GenAI tools like ChatGPT. It further outlines the benefits of GenAI, such as increased productivity and cost savings, while addressing challenges like governance, security, and staff training. NACo plans to hold quarterly virtual meetings to gather feedback and update the toolkit as needed.
Specifically, NACo’s report identifies opportunities for counties such as:
- Enhancing social services by helping constituents identify and access resources, track performance and engagement, and provide early intervention and crisis support.
- Improving public safety and security by using video cameras, drones, and body cameras for surveillance and analysis, and providing real-time cyber response and threat detection.
- Personalizing service delivery by using AI to help people identify their needs and connect to services, including providing interactive assistants and chatbots.
- Creating tailored local solutions by using county-centric AI models with local data and ensuring relevance and responsiveness to community needs.
- Utilizing forecasting so that counties can direct resources to the greatest needs for resident services.
Moreover, the AI County Compass includes actionable steps for local governments, such as developing policies and providing educational resources for staff. It also highlights current AI use and the potential future impacts of GenAI on county operations and other emerging technologies.
To learn more, read the article.
While NACo’s report aims to provide local governments with tailored recommendations for implementing and managing GenAI, cybersecurity is another crucial domain where AI has a substantial influence. At the MACo Summer Conference session, “Sentinels of the Digital Realm: AI’s Role in Fortifying Cybersecurity,” an expert panel will share strategies to implement AI-driven cybersecurity challenges and solutions while avoiding potential pitfalls.
MACo’s Summer Conference, “Turning the Tide,” is August 14-17, 2024, at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland.
Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference:
- Exhibitor Details & Pricing SOLD OUT!
- Tech Expo Exhibiting Details SOLD OUT!
- Questions? Contact Virginia White
