The city of Grand Rapids uses artificial intelligence. IT Director Doug Start explained AI is performing cybersecurity, document processing and route planning.
“As we proceed as a city, it will be important to be strategic and intentional about our implementation of AI.”
To that end, the formation of an AI Council is under consideration. It would guide the city, ensuring AI used within government functions is fair, safe and effective. The council would include city leaders and local university experts supporting sustainable and responsible AI tech growth. City Manager Mark Washington.
“We’re going to have well-informed experts from academia, and the reason why we have done that: because some of you asked for me to go get people from the private sector which may have a vested interest in accelerating product or technology.”
Commissioners are embracing the idea of an AI Council, with some expressing the need for public transparency. Third Ward Commissioner Kelsey Perdue.
“We just saw one of our largest employers lay off hundreds of folks because they found new efficiencies through the use of AI.”
No word yet on when the AI Council will be formed.
For a weekly dose of news right to your inbox, sign up for the WGVU newsletter.
