Artificial Intelligence Exploratory Committee
NACo's AI Exploratory Committee covers emerging policies, practices and potential applications and consequences of Artificial Intelligence (AI), through the lens of county government governance, operations, constituent services, innovation, public trust, privacy, and security, and workforce productivity.
AI systems have catapulted the use of advanced computer technologies within society at unprecedented scale. People across the world are recognizing the potential that AI will bring to the economy and public sector, and America’s counties need to be prepared to address this innovation with the realization that AI technology is here to stay.
About the Committee
2022-2023 NACo President Denise Winfrey appointed 16 county leaders from across America, representing the broad spectrum of county demographics and functions.
Judge Andy Brown, Travis County, Texas
Commissioner Gregg Weiss, Palm Beach County, Fla.
Supervisor Keith Carson, Alameda County, Calif.
Commissioner Tarryl Clark, Stearns County, Minn.
Commissioner Chad Peterson, Cass County, N.D.
Commissioner Christopher Rodgers, Douglas County, Neb.
Commissioner Chokwe Pitchford, Berrien County, Mich.
Commissioner Shinica Thomas, Wake County, N.C.
Clerk/Auditor Ricky Hatch, Weber County, Utah
Bryan Hill, County Administrator, Fairfax County, Va.
Scott Sorrel, County Administrator, Peoria County, Ill.
Scott Teruya, Director of Finance, Maui County, Hawaii
Tom Lynch, Chief Information Officer, Cook County, Ill.
Shannon Smith, Chief of Staff, Dept. of IT, King County, Wash.
Stephen Acquario, Executive Director, New York State Association of Counties
Peter Crary, Senior Manager of Technology, Texas Association of Counties
NACo AI Compass and Resource Hub
The NACo AI Compass and Resource Hub provides county governments with essential tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). Developed by NACo's AI Exploratory Committee, this toolkit covers key themes such as responsible applications, policy models, ethical frameworks, and workforce preparation, helping counties leverage GenAI for improved operations and services.
The Transformative Power of Artificial Intelligence: A Summit Hosted by the NACo AI Exploratory Committee
The NACo Artificial Intelligence summit convened Administration officials, federal agency leaders, and experts to explore generative artificial intelligence's impact.
Counties build AI framework to harness its potential, bolster protection
More than a dozen people involved in county administration and governance are working to figure out the future opportunities for counties and artificial intelligence.
The Potential Impacts of AI on Counties
The AI Exploratory Committee will operate under a scope that seeks to determine:
- Assess the current state of AI technology
- Identify potential applications of AI and the related benefits and risks for county govt. operations
- Evaluate the risks and benefits of AI related to workforce productivity, displacement and skills
- Explore the county governance landscape with ethics, public trust, privacy and security impacts
- Develop a preliminary policy and practice toolkit with sample guidelines and standards for AI
- Identify opportunities for collaboration and partnership with different county stakeholders
- Advise on public policy issues that may need to be considered by NACo’s board and policy committees
- Facilitate education and engagement opportunities for county officials, NACo networks and partners
The AI Exploratory Committee is dedicated to exploring these and many more benefits as AI is integrated into governmental services. The adherence to thoughtful risk management and diligent privacy practices will be of upmost importance as counties adapt to AI systems.
The Marvelous Adventures of Countyland
With county government policymakers and practitioners now facing the realities of generative artificial intelligence (AI), this book was developed with three main objectives:
- Showcase the remarkable capabilities and intricate nature of contemporary AI technologies
- Stimulate collaborative policy discussions among intergovernmental partners regarding the near limitless applications within the public sector, taking into account the possible inherent biases in AI systems, and
- Inspire the young people of America to explore the exciting and meaningful roles and responsibilities of county government officials.
Featured Resource
County Tech Xchange
The NACo County Tech Xchange is an online portal designed to connect county CIOs, IT Directors, CISOs, and other county IT leadership. This portal provides valuable resources in a central location that counties can use to improve their overall technology infrastructure.
Podcast: Artificial intelligence and county government
Shinica Thomas, a Wake County, N.C. commissioner and a member of NACo's AI Exploratory Committee, talks about her process for learning about artificial intelligence, its limits and challenges and some applications for use in county government.
County governments debut AI innovations
As counties like Madison County N.Y. embrace artificial intelligence, they pave the way for smarter governance and better public services.
Follow Alameda County’s AI journey
Alameda County, Calif. gathered 120 employees from 19 departments to brainstorm creative solutions and explore what was possible with artificial intelligence.
Congress makes incremental progress on AI policy
On Nov. 19, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation convened its last major hearing pertaining to artificial intelligence of the year — in this case, on the topic on Protecting Consumers from Artificial Intelligence (AI) Enabled Fraud and Scams.
County Countdown – December 16, 2024
Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.
NACo Publishes 2025 AI Policy Priorities Primer
On December 4, NACo published its Key AI Policy Priorities for Counties for the 119th Congress, building on the policy platform proposals voted on and passed at NACo’s 2024 Annual Conference.
Chart Your Course: Learning Resources for the County Workforce
Enhance your skills and knowledge in AI, cybersecurity, and more with this exciting new learning program.
This webinar will:
- Introduce the new "Chart Your Course" program offering valuable training for county employees.
- Explore key courses in general knowledge, IT skills, and business analytics.
- Discuss how to maximize your learning journey with tailored training paths.
Register now and embark on your path to professional development!
Stay Connected
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Committee Contact
Rita Reynolds
