Counties Welcome Thoughtful Discussion Around Artificial Intelligence in Government

National Association of Counties Artificial Intelligence Exploratory Committee plans survey to gauge local support

WASHINGTON – The National Association of Counties (NACo) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Exploratory Committee today expressed support for the growing discussion at all levels of government around the role of AI in government services and operations. The committee also announced plans to launch a survey for county leaders and residents with the goal of exploring public sentiment around AI in government. 

The committee recognizes the leadership of the White House, demonstrated by President Biden’s Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence. The AI Exploratory Committee co-chairs, Palm Beach County, Fla. Mayor Gregg Weiss and Travis County, Texas Judge Andy Brown, participated in the announcement event at the White House. 

“Generative AI could be a game-changer for county governments, but it also comes with great responsibility,” said Weiss. “We want to help counties harness the power of generative AI to improve operations and services, while also ensuring respect for the rights, interests and expectations of citizens and other stakeholders. The White House announcement is an important milestone in the progress and potential of generative AI.” 

The AI Exploratory Committee, launched in July 2023, is examining the challenges and opportunities around AI for county governments, and will release findings and recommendations in an interim report at NACo’s 2024 Legislative Conference in February. As part of informing the report, the committee will launch a survey to examine public sentiment as well as the perspectives of county leaders. 

“The NACo Exploratory Committee looks forward to incorporating the perspectives of county leaders, residents, and our intergovernmental partners as we craft recommendations and best practices for counties,” said Brown. “Generative AI can be a force for good, when used wisely and ethically, and we hope our efforts will inspire and inform counties to embrace this new technology thoughtfully.” 

“We welcome the ongoing dialogue with our intergovernmental partners to build an approach that keeps our global competitive edge with AI and balances all the complex privacy, workforce and security issues,” added Brown.  

For more information about NACo’s AI Exploratory Committee, click here.