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.

Latest from the Committee

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County News

NACo forms AI exploratory committee

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County News

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.

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

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. 

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Upcoming Events

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NACo Cyberattack Simulation: Employee Management

In response to the growing threat landscape and complexity of the interdependent and networked business of counties, NACo is partnering with the Professional Development Academy and their community of CISOs, CIOS, risk managers and cyber leaders to launch cyberattack simulation training.

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Charting Your AI Growth: Practical Generative AI - Steps for Productivity Improvements

This is the third in NACo's TechKnow series on Charting Your AI Growth. County presenters will focus on steps that they have taken to improve productivity using artificial intelligence.

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Committee Contact

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Rita Reynolds

Chief Information Officer
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Seamus Dowdall

Associate Legislative Director – Telecommunications & Technology