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.
Congress passes the TAKE IT DOWN Act
The TAKE IT DOWN Act establishes federal authorities at the Federal Trade Commission to remove non-consensual intimate images from digital platforms
Congressional leaders introduce bipartisan bill to strengthen technical assistance for rural broadband
The Rural Broadband Assistance Act strengthens local access to federal broadband programs by codifying USDA’s Broadband Technical Assistance Program and ensuring continued support for broadband deployment in rural communities.
County Countdown – April 21, 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 the ARPA reporting deadline, a budget reconciliation update and more
U.S House Subcommittee Considers Reauthorization of the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program
The SLCGP provides critical funding to state and local governments to enhance cybersecurity readiness and protection but is set to expire on September 30, 2025.
Team approach, website help California county tackle homelessness
Riverside County, Calif. created a multidisciplinary team to better and more efficiently serve its unsheltered population and share success stories and data through a website.
Podcast: The CIO Reserves
Greenbrier County, W.Va. Commissioner Tammy Tincher, Cook County, Ill. CIO Tom Lynch and NACo CIO Rita Reynolds discuss the pilot CIO Reserves program, which offers IT experts to help rural counties assess their technology and cybersecurity needs.
Chart Your Course: Real Stories of Counties Advancing with AI Online Learning
A continuation of our "Chart Your Course" digital learning program, this webinar will highlight how counties are leveraging the Microsoft online learning platform to upskill their workforce in artificial intelligence and related technologies. Hear directly from county representatives as they share real-world examples, practical strategies, and lessons learned from integrating digital learning into their staff development efforts. Whether you're just getting started or looking to strengthen existing programs, this session will offer valuable insights to support your journey.
AI & Geospatial Mapping: Faster, Smarter Disaster Relief in LA
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.
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.
NACo AI Central Regional Forum
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.
NACo AI West Regional Forum
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
Rita Reynolds
