In a significant development for public sector technology, CAI, a global technology services firm, has announced its partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo) as a founding member of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Exploratory Committee. This committee, formed in response to the White House’s recent executive order on AI safety and security, is dedicated to exploring the applications, benefits, and risks associated with integrating AI technology into county services.
A Focus on Ethical and Safe AI Use
The AI Exploratory Committee, steered by NACo, will address several crucial areas, including county governance, public trust, constituent services, and privacy. The members are tasked with assessing the current AI landscape, identifying potential applications and their implications, and evaluating the risks and benefits of AI in relation to workforce productivity, displacement, and skills. This effort is part of a broader strategy to ensure ethical and safe use of AI technologies in government operations.
CAI’s Role in the Committee
As a key player in this initiative, CAI will lead the training of committee members through its innovative AI Playground. This platform allows NACo members to experiment with multiple generative AI models in a controlled environment, addressing concerns about data loss and unpredictable outcomes. CAI’s responsibilities extend beyond training; they will assist in exploring and validating AI use cases in county government, advise on safe and ethical AI adoption policies, and provide insights from enterprises that are already leveraging AI.
Matthew Peters’ and Rita Reynolds’ Insights
Matthew Peters, Chief Technology Officer at CAI, emphasizes the importance of addressing ethical and security concerns in government AI applications. He expresses pride in partnering with NACo and other global organizations to pioneer new regulatory frameworks for AI use in government. Similarly, NACo Chief Information Officer, Rita Reynolds, highlights the committee’s role in minimizing risks and providing structure to public sector services through AI.
Awards and Webinar Initiatives
CAI’s commitment to public sector innovation was recently recognized with NACo’s Newcomer Award at the 2023 Corporate Premier Forum. Furthering their outreach, CAI and NACo are hosting a webinar on leveraging the skills of neurodivergent individuals in local government, providing a platform for discussion and learning.