#MACoCon: Counties Navigate the Human Side of AI

At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference, county leaders will explore one of local government’s fastest-moving workplace challenges: how to manage artificial intelligence responsibly across county operations.

Artificial intelligence is already changing how employees draft documents, analyze information, communicate with residents, and complete everyday work. As counties continue adopting these tools, they also face important questions about governance, accountability, records retention, cybersecurity, hiring, employee use, and public trust.

The Human Side of AI: Managing Risk, Trust, and Accountability

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday county government. As AI tools become more common across county workplaces, local leaders must balance innovation with responsible governance.

This session will examine the practical challenges counties face as employees incorporate AI into daily operations. Panelists will discuss workforce policies, risk management, records management, ethical considerations, cybersecurity, employee expectations, and lessons learned from real-world county experiences. As AI becomes more common across county government, local leaders must establish clear policies that encourage innovation while protecting public trust and ensuring accountability.

Speakers:

Christine Anderson, County Administrator, Anne Arundel County
Will Mapp, Chief Technology Officer, Qlarent
Greg Smith, Chief Information Security Officer, Frederick County

Moderator: The Honorable Delegate Ken Kerr, Maryland House of Delegates

Date/Time: Friday, August 14, 2026; 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

MACo’s Summer Conference, “Build What’s Next,” takes place August 12-15, 2026, at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. For more information, visit the conference website.