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

Latest from the Committee

AI Summit

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.

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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.

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County News

NACo forms AI exploratory committee

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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U.S. House passes rescissions package

On June 12,  the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Rescissions Act of 2025 (H.R. 4) in a narrow 214-212 vote. The legislation would cancel $9.4 billion in previously approved federal funding, marking the Trump Administration’s first formal attempt to codify funding cuts proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). 

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NTIA releases new guidance on BEAD program funding rules

On June 6, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a Policy Notice modifying the requirements outlined in the Broadband Equity Access Deployment (BEAD) Notice of Funding Opportunity.

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County Countdown – June 3, 2025

Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership. This week features sanctuary jurisdictions, the TAKE IT DOWN Act and more.

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Advocacy

TAKE IT DOWN Act signed into law

The TAKE IT DOWN Act establishes federal authorities at the Federal Trade Commission to remove non-consensual intimate images from digital platforms 

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Senate passes Joint Resolution to discontinue purchasing of wi-fi hotspots through E-Rate Program

Counties support the full local flexibility of the E-Rate program and a continuation of funding to meet community needs for digital adoption and to close the homework gap.

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NTIA terminates Digital Equity Act grants

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) sent termination of funding letters to recipients of grants authorized under the Digital Equity Act.

Upcoming Events

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Webinar

Faster, Smarter Disaster Relief: How LA County Used AI & Geospatial Mapping to Deliver $20M in Aid

Key Takeaways:

  • Strategies for incorporating geospatial technology in disaster planning and response.
  • Techniques for using identity verification tools to balance security and accessibility.
  • Best practices for building public-private partnerships in times of crisis.
datasecurity
Webinar

Proactively Defend Your Collection Rate: How Automation Makes It Possible

Join Leah Bezanson, Patient Revenue Supervisor at Minnesota Department of Human Services and Erica Gregory, SVP & GM, Revenue Cycle Management at Netsmart, for insights on how automation can help protect collection rates, enhance accuracy and improve data visibility.

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Conference

NACo AI Central Regional Forum

Hennepin County, Minnesota​

The NACo AI Regional Forum series is convening local government elected officials, appointed officers, department heads, and staff across different geographical regions to provide an educational, hands-on symposium on the landscape of artificial intelligence.

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Webinar

Unity in Uncertainty: Thriving Through Turbulence

This training will focus on the current operating environment and emphasize core partnerships to identify opportunities and strengthen infrastructure security and resilience. Comprehensive partnerships and diverse perspectives can solidify and fortify operations during uncertain times. 

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Conference

NACo AI West Regional Forum

Utah County, Utah

The NACo AI Regional Forum series is convening local government elected officials, appointed officers, department heads, and staff across different geographical regions to provide an educational, hands-on symposium on the landscape of artificial intelligence.

Stay Connected

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Committee Contact

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Rita Reynolds

Chief Information Officer & Managing Director, County Tech Xchange
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Seamus Dowdall

Legislative Director, Telecommunications & Technology