At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference, county leaders and technology experts explored how local governments can embrace artificial intelligence while managing the risks that come with its growing role in the workplace.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly entering nearly every aspect of county operations. While AI tools offer opportunities to improve customer service and employee efficiency, they also raise new questions around hiring, communications, internal workflows, privacy, cybersecurity, accountability, and public trust. Delegate Ken Kerr moderated the timely Q&A-style discussion, “The Human Side of AI: Managing Risk, Trust, and Accountability,” which examined where counties are today, how they can manage emerging risks, and what local governments should be preparing for next.
Panelists included:
- Christine Anderson, County Administrator, Anne Arundel County
- Gregory Smith, Chief Information Security Officer, Frederick County
- Will Mapp III, Chief Technology Officer, Qlarant
“The Human Side of AI: Managing Risk, Trust, and Accountability” Now at #MACoCon
Our panel is ready to dig deep on the topic of #AI and its integration into the workplace. https://t.co/pCnrgfjz6f pic.twitter.com/vRTZVBtX3N— Sophie Brzozowsky (@SBrzozowsky) August 14, 2026
Anderson shared lessons from Anne Arundel County’s experience as an early adopter of AI tools. She emphasized that adopting new technology does not eliminate employee accountability. Anne Arundel County’s AI policy makes clear that employees remain responsible for work produced with AI, helping ensure AI-generated content is still reviewed, monitored, and corrected when necessary.
Smith focused on the cybersecurity risks that can accompany rapid AI adoption. As counties integrate these tools into their operations, he stressed the importance of establishing clear guidelines for their use. He cautioned against entering sensitive information into AI platforms without appropriate security protections and warned against becoming overly reliant on technology that continues to change rapidly.
Mapp emphasized the importance of preparing employees to use AI as a tool rather than viewing it as a replacement for the workforce. Drawing from examples of both successful and unsuccessful AI implementation, he highlighted employee training and thoughtful planning as critical pieces of adoption. As AI continues to evolve, counties should build the capacity to adapt without creating operations or infrastructure that are entirely dependent on the technology.
The discussion underscored a common theme: successful AI adoption is about more than the technology itself. As counties explore new tools and applications, clear policies, employee training, cybersecurity safeguards, and human accountability will be essential to using AI responsibly while maintaining public trust.
Article contributed by Sophie Brzozowsky, Legislative Services Assistant, MACo.
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