MMA hosts webinar on municipal guidelines for responsible AI use

The MMA hosted the third session of its webinar series on artificial intelligence on March 11, focusing on the municipal guidelines needed for the responsible implementation of AI.

Michael Alvarez, the chief technology officer in Nantucket, discussed how the town approached the creation of its AI guidelines and the main principles.

He said the town’s policy is not entirely new, since most of the issues related to AI are covered by existing municipal policies regarding internet use, computer use, data handling, and public records. But Nantucket wanted to create clear guidance specific to “generative AI” because the technology “introduces new workflows and new risks that staff might not immediately recognize.”

Alvarez said policies should:
• Include clear definitions and the purpose of the document
• Be brief but informative
• Avoid overly technical language so everyone can understand it
• Be a working document, because AI continues to evolve

Nantucket Communications Manager Florencia Rullo discussed how the guidelines look in practice, using her department’s work as an example.

Alvarez and Rullo advised municipal employees to avoid entering personal information in AI systems, consider any biases that may be reflected in AI-generated items, disclose AI use, and always edit and verify all outputs before using them.

Colby Cousens, chief information officer in Danvers, moderated 25 minutes of questions and answers, addressing inquiries regarding the use of paid versus free ChatGPT accounts, public feedback on Nantucket’s AI use, and concerns within municipal departments about Nantucket’s implementation of AI.

• Developing an AI Policy presentation (4M PDF)