This North Carolina city is pioneering transparent AI implementation across municipal services

Cary, North Carolina is developing policies to increase transparency around its use of artificial intelligence in municipal operations, following discussions at a recent Town Council meeting.

Key initiative details: The town of Cary, serving over 187,000 residents, aims to establish clear guidelines for AI implementation in government services.

• Council members Lori Bush and Carissa Kohn-Johnson proposed creating formal policies for AI use in town operations
• The town already has internal procedures for identifying AI usage among staff
• Officials want to ensure residents know when and how AI is being utilized in municipal services

Current AI applications: Cary has already begun implementing AI technology in several municipal functions to improve service delivery.

• The RapidSOS Alarm Call Automation system helps transcribe 911 calls to reduce emergency response times
• The Fire Department is testing thermal cameras with AI capabilities to locate people in burning buildings
• Staff currently use AI for meeting minutes transcription and travel planning

Transparency and safety measures: Town officials emphasize the importance of responsible AI deployment while protecting resident privacy.

• Officials want to implement clear communication about how, when, and where AI is being used
• The council plans to address data governance and management in upcoming AI policies
• Staff members are particularly focused on protecting residents’ personal information from improper collection or use

Broader context: Local governments across the United States are increasingly adopting AI tools to enhance public services.

• Many municipalities use AI-powered chatbots to help residents find information on government websites
• Some cities utilize AI for document translation services
• In Elgin, Illinois, law enforcement is considering AI for generating incident reports

Future considerations: The dynamic nature of AI technology requires ongoing policy evaluation and updates.

• Councilwoman Kohn-Johnson emphasized that AI capabilities will evolve significantly in the near future
• Town staff will present a draft AI plan to the council at an upcoming meeting
• Officials recognize both the opportunities and potential risks associated with AI implementation

Looking ahead: While Cary’s approach to AI implementation demonstrates proactive governance, the success of these policies will depend on maintaining a balance between innovation and transparency while ensuring proper oversight of this rapidly evolving technology.