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Authorize the Chief Information Officer to execute the GovAI Coalition registration agreement
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Information Technology (DoIT) recommends that the Board of Supervisors authorize the Chief Information Officer to execute the GovAI Coalition registration agreement.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The purpose of the GovAI Coalition is to help shape the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in local government. GovAI is committed to the guiding principles of responsible AI and the expectation that the people local governments serve will both benefit from the use of AI and hold GovAI accountable to its principles. Established in late 2023 by the City of San Jose, CA, early work in the Coalition has focused on the creation of standards for responsible and purposeful AI in government. The tools and standards being developed in collaboration with GovAI member agencies are intentionally being aligned with emerging national standards and unify the needs of many local governments.
Led by the City of San Jose Information Technology Department, in partnership with civic agencies including Austin, Cleveland, Long Beach, San Antonio, City of San Diego, San Diego County, St. Paul, Colorado’s Department of Revenue, and the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon, the Coalition is evolving into a national movement for AI in the public sector. Adding Solano County to this growing membership list gives our County a voice to join the common interests of the whole and express any unique interests related to Solano.
Further, joining the coalition includes access to best-in-class government regulations for AI with standardized information and templates for agencies to use as a foundation to develop their own AI governance. Additionally, pooling resources with other local government agencies will give Solano access to data, learnings from use cases, and policies, with the ultimate goal of obtaining support for more effective solutions. This membership will serve as a resource as DoIT continues to develop County policies and procedures for proper use of AI in County departments. Once developed, County policies and procedures for AI will be presented to the Board of Supervisors for review and approval.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no cost to join the GovAI Coalition.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to join the GovAI Coalition, but that is not recommended. With no costs to join and no contractual obligations, having access to a collaborative approach to developing AI practices benefits the county with no known downsides.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel and the County Administrator’s Office have been involved in the review of the registration agreement.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION