Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday government operations, creating new opportunities for counties while also raising important questions about responsible implementation.
At the 2026 MACo Fall Symposium on September 14, county leaders, technology professionals, legal experts, and more gathered at the Crowne Plaza Annapolis to explore how local governments can harness AI while protecting residents and public trust.
The one-day symposium, “Harnessing AI: Opportunities and Responsibilities for Counties,” focused on the practical realities of AI adoption, from public safety and county operations to legal considerations and federal policy.
The symposium opened with a discussion of how AI is changing public safety operations. The panel brought together perspectives from law enforcement, county government, technology, and public-sector operations to explore how artificial intelligence is being used to support public safety. Earl Stoddard of Montgomery County, Captain John Poole of the Anne Arundel Police Department, Dr. Derek A. Paley of the University of Maryland, College Park, and Lee Sampson of the Thurgood Marshall State Law Library shared perspectives on the opportunities and challenges AI presents for public safety agencies. The conversation also highlighted the importance of responsible implementation, human oversight, and safeguards as public safety agencies explore the potential of emerging technologies.
As AI tools become increasingly common in the workplace, counties must consider not only what the technology can do, but also how to govern it. The second session examined the legal and operational questions that come with AI adoption. Panelists discussed employee use of AI, privacy and cybersecurity, public records, hiring and employment considerations, and responsible oversight. Kevin Karpinski of Karpinski, Cornbrooks & Karp and Alisa Bralove Scherr, Maryland Public Access Deputy Ombudsman with the Office of the Attorney General, provided insight into the evolving considerations counties will need to address as AI becomes more integrated into government operations.
The afternoon shifted from questions of policy and governance to real-world applications. “AI in Action: County Success Stories” highlighted how counties are already using AI to improve resident services, streamline internal operations, reduce costs, and increase staff capacity. Ty Howard, Chief Information Officer for Frederick County; Jonathan Lee, Change Management and Communications Manager for Calvert County; and Nathaniel Watkins, Chief Information Officer for Garrett County’s Department of Technology and Communications, shared examples of how their counties are moving beyond the hype surrounding AI and putting the technology to practical use. The panel also focused on lessons learned and considerations for counties looking to develop their own AI efforts.
The symposium concluded with a federal perspective on the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Seamus Dowdall, Legislative Director for Telecommunications & Technology at the National Association of Counties (NACo), provided an update on federal actions, agency guidance, funding opportunities, and legislative proposals affecting AI. The discussion examined what federal developments could mean for county operations, cybersecurity, workforce development, and future investments in AI, while also highlighting NACo’s work to help counties navigate the changing federal landscape.
Counties are already finding ways to use AI to strengthen services and support their workforce, while simultaneously working through questions of privacy, security, legal responsibility, ethics, and public trust. MACo’s Fall Symposium provided county leaders with examples and perspectives to help inform those decisions as AI continues to evolve.
