Exploring the Power of AI in County Governance at #MACoCon
- Post author:Karrington Anderson
- Post published:December 19, 2024
- Post category:County News / Cyber / Information Technology / Winter Conference
At the MACo Winter Conference, attendees heard how artificial intelligence transforms county operations.
The session explored how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping both public and private sectors, emphasizing the need for county governments to adapt and harness this transformative technology. Attendees gained insights into AI applications that enhance constituent services and streamline internal operations across departments such as Public Works, Human Resources, and Resident Services.
The discussion highlighted AI’s potential to optimize service delivery, improve transparency, and foster greater efficiency and security. Panelists also addressed critical strategies for building trust in AI, safeguarding data privacy, protecting sensitive information, and equipping counties with tools to navigate the evolving AI landscape.
Title: The AI Advantage: Enhancing County Services and Operations
Speakers:
- Ted Pibil, Sr Government Advisor, ePlus Technology Inc.
- Stephen Pereira, CIO & Director, Technology Services, Calvert County
- Timothy Mayotte, Chief Information Officer, Howard County
- Tyrone Howard, CIO, Interagency IT Division, Frederick County
Moderator: The Honorable Paul Edwards, Commissioner Chair, Garrett County
Panelists discussed the potential of AI to revolutionize county operations, improve efficiency, and ensure inclusive service delivery.
Stephen Pereira’s discussion focused on the significant return on investment from AI in government, which ranges from 3.7x to 10x, and detailed key pillars for achieving AI efficiency. These include deep learning, skill magnification, rapid skill development, and task automation. Pereira advocated for a grassroots implementation strategy, empowering frontline workers, strengthening collaboration, and preserving institutional knowledge. Frameworks like ALIGN, which guides counties from assessing needs to managing change, and RASE, which ensures AI is responsible, accountable, secure, and ethical, were also presented.
Timothy Mayotte’s presentation encouraged a critical approach to evaluating AI proposals by asking essential questions like whether the solution is integrated or an add-on, if the data is clean enough to support AI, and what specific problems the AI initiative aims to solve. These considerations ensure that AI investments are purposeful and data-driven.
Tyrone Howard’s presentation highlighted the strategic alignment of AI with innovation, customer focus, and equity. By leveraging AI to enhance efficiency, service delivery, and decision-making, counties can improve effectiveness.
More about MACo’s Winter Conference:
