County governments debut AI innovations

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize industries across the United States, county governments are recognizing its potential to enhance operations, improve public services and increase efficiency. 

On Oct. 30, 2024, Madison County, N.Y., hosted a NACo-facilitated an AI workshop designed to familiarize county staff with the transformative possibilities of AI and Generative AI (GenAI) tools. With a mix of educational presentations, hands-on exercises and collaborative discussions, the workshop marked a significant step in Madison County’s AI journey.

The meeting kicked off with a unique icebreaker: Attendees selected a marble representing their initial perspective on AI and dropped it into containers labeled “Excited and Optimistic,” “Curious But Cautious,” and “Unsure.” While a handful expressed hesitation, the majority were optimistic or curious, reflecting a growing interest in understanding and adopting AI technologies.

Following opening remarks from County Administrator Mark Scimone and Director of Technology Paul Lutwak, participants introduced themselves and their respective departments, setting the stage for cross-departmental collaboration.

The morning sessions offered a historical summary and an overview of the AI landscape, emphasizing its relevance to local government. Practical demonstrations showcased a variety of GenAI tools capable of automating document generation, creating imagery, enabling chatbot interactions, conducting data analysis and producing video content. This interactive approach helped attendees visualize how these tools could be applied to their specific areas of work.

Real-world examples of AI implementation in county operations were presented, including:

Automating administrative tasks: Reducing repetitive workloads through AI.

Enhancing public safety: Leveraging AI analytics for crime prevention and emergency response.

Boosting resident engagement: Utilizing AI-driven platforms for more efficient communication.

During lunchtime, attendees watched several video segments from recent webinars showcasing county leaders who successfully implemented AI solutions, providing relatable insights and inspiration. 

The afternoon focused on collaborative exercises around data governance and use cases. For the Data Governance Exercise, attendees identified the types of data they track, where it is stored and its ownership. 

Data categories identified included administrative records, legal and compliance data, public health information and infrastructure details. Attendees also pinpointed sensitive data needing heightened protections, such as personnel records, health information and litigation-related documents.

The second exercise on Use Case Ideation, had participants brainstorm AI applications tailored to their departments. Key ideas included:

Automating FOIL request redactions

Creating communications for public relations, social media posts and county articles

Streamlining traffic analysis and enforcement

Digitizing historical records

Enhancing road maintenance through AI-driven data analysis

Improving budgeting and statistical analysis with predictive algorithms

These exercises encouraged creative thinking and underscored AI’s potential to transform county operations.

Post-event evaluations revealed overwhelmingly positive feedback. More than 70% of participants reported that the meeting met or exce eded their expectations. Attendees particularly valued the balance of presentations and interactive sessions, with many expressing newfound confidence in exploring AI solutions.

Key takeaways from the evaluations included:

46% of attendees felt much more confident in using AI tools.

More than 60% reported a significant improvement in their understanding of AI and GenAI.

Suggestions for improvement included offering separate tracks for beginners and advanced users, providing hands-on experiences with computers, and enhancing presentation visibility.

Despite the enthusiasm, some concerns persisted. Attendees highlighted potential challenges such as ensuring data accuracy, addressing algorithmic bias, managing legal implications and maintaining critical thinking skills in an AI-driven workplace. These issues underscore the importance of establishing robust frameworks, policy and guidelines for data governance and ethical AI usage.

Looking Ahead

As Madison County continues its journey with AI, the meeting serves as a blueprint for other local governments. By fostering education, collaboration and innovation, counties can unlock AI’s potential while addressing its challenges responsibly.

For those embarking on similar initiatives, Madison County’s approach offers valuable lessons:

1. Engage diverse stakeholders: Involving representatives from various departments enriches discussions and broadens perspectives.

2. Prioritize hands-on learning: Interactive exercises enhance understanding and encourage practical application.

3. Address concerns proactively: Openly discussing potential pitfalls builds trust and supports informed decision-making.

As counties like Madison embrace AI, they pave the way for smarter governance and better public services. The Madison County AI meeting exemplifies how local governments can harness technology to create meaningful change, ensuring a future where innovation drives efficiency and improves lives.