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.
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