Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword; it's reshaping businesses and how they work. From chatbots to natural language to reducing cyber threats to marketing tools, AI is enhancing productivity, remaking how we work, and transforming society's productivity.
I have been using a relatively new AI tool called Google NotebookLM to load the town's budget for the last twenty years and the most recent town surveys. I’m able to ask questions to find and reference the answers more efficiently. It removes the tedious nature of finding information in documents that are hundreds of pages long, returning answers in seconds.
But what does this mean for Erie? What opportunities exist to capitalize on this powerful technology? At the most basic level of AI, Erie could implement an AI-powered chatbot that is accessible to anyone looking for information on Erie’s website 24/7. Erie could also implement AI-powered tools to reduce manual and repetitive work across the organization, freeing staff time for more critical work. Town Council could use AI to better understand changes to important documents like the comprehensive plan and the unified development code (UDC) they are asked to approve. The list of possibilities is large.
An Erie AI strategy should enhance staff contributions, not replace them. Strong governance guidelines and safeguards to prevent misuse will be essential. AI can help Erie do more with less, reducing the need for a larger government as our town grows.
Erie needs leadership that understands AI. We need a pragmatic plan to harness its benefits while mitigating risks. As the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Colorado School of Mines, I’m uniquely qualified with technical and business acumen to lead us into the future!
I'm eager to hear your thoughts on this important issue.
Warmly,
Andrew Moore
Ensure Erie’s Future - Moore in 2024!
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