2025 Annual Meeting: Exploring Artificial Intelligence in County Government Workshop Recap

During the 131st CSAC Annual Meeting in Santa Clara County, a workshop titled “Automate the Boring, Elevate the Brilliant”! Let AI Do the Busywork!” explored how counties can leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations, improve service delivery, and make data-driven decisions. The session also highlighted resources and tools available to help counties implement AI responsibly and ethically. Workshop content is available on the CSAC website here. 

Workshop Recap and Key Takeaways 

From Vision to Action: Tools for Deploying AI in Public Services 
Attendees heard from the Board Chair of the GovAI Coalition and Chief Information Officer for the City of San José, who shared insights on the Coalition’s mission and practical tools designed to support counties.  The GovAI Coalition brings together government leaders from local, state, and federal agencies to promote responsible and purposeful AI in the public sector. 

To help agencies implement effective AI governance, the Coalition has developed a comprehensive suite of resources including policy templates, a governance handbook, vendor agreements, procurement tools, data-sharing agreements, and examples of real-world use cases. Additional details and access to these templates and resources can be found here.  

County Spotlight: Real-World AI Applications
Leaders from Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Los Angeles counties shared real-world examples of AI in action.  

• LA County’s Human Resources Manager discussed how they are streamlining different human resources processes to improve service delivery.  
• Santa Cruz County’s Assistant County Executive Officer highlighted their journey from initial adoption to current use of AI and automation in the workplace.  
• Santa Clara County’s Chief Privacy Officer focused on privacy and security, explaining how the county embraces new technology without compromising data protection.  

The panel concluded with an audience-driven Q&A session, where panelists addressed questions on advancing AI and automated decision-making tools ethically. 

Why AI Matters for Counties 
The workshop underscored that AI is no longer a distant concept, but a practical tool already helping counties and local governments across California and the nation enhance efficiency and responsiveness. From automating repetitive tasks to supporting complex decision-making, AI creates opportunities to improve processes, enhance services to residents, and empower employees to do their best work. At the same time, AI poses serious risks, making it essential for counties to establish safeguards that ensure its responsible and ethical use. 

We Want to Hear from You!  

Please click here to complete a survey of your county’s experience with AI and automated decision-making tools. This will help guide our advocacy efforts for the upcoming legislative year. 

Please feel free to contact Emma Jungwirth (ejungwirth@counties.org) and Julissa Ceja Cardenas (jcejacardenas@counties.org) for more information.