Panel Discusses Responsible AI Implementation in Local Government

Hosted by the CDT, representatives discussed recommendations and examples in state and local government use of AI.

Panel Discusses Responsible AI Implementation in Local Government
Screenshot of CDT Policy Analyst Maddy Dwyer, RGS Deputy Executive Director Rich Oppenheim, NLC Senior Specialist on Urban Innovation Christopher Jordan and NACo Legislative Director Seamus Dowdall from webibar on Tuesda, Feb. 3.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2026 – Increasingly, generative AI is being utilized by local and state governments to meet constituent needs.

That was the message at a Tuesday Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) panel that centered on CDT’s five core areas in the use and governance of AI, which include public transparency and stakeholder engagement, accuracy and reliability, governance and coordination, privacy and security, and legal compliance. 

While the panelists aligned on these priorities for AI in the public sector, Regional Government Services Authority Deputy Executive Director Rich Oppenheim stressed the importance of human-centered AI that aligns with how governmental organizations actually operate. Human oversight is also essential with the implementation of AI to prevent errors and build trust in them, he said. 

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