Government leaders must consider various issues when integrating technology into public services. These include handling personally identifiable information (PII) and personal health information (PHI), providing online access to public meetings, using surveillance technologies, and ensuring public access to government records. Other considerations involve technology's role in climate change response, smart city services, and addressing the digital divide.
Socitm, a British local government support group, offers guidance on these matters. They advocate for technology that supports the common good without causing harm, maintaining human agency while being fair, transparent, and environmentally friendly. Their 12-point guide serves as a practical tool for local governments.
Future Tech Updates columns will explore these policy challenges further. Meanwhile, decision-makers should engage the public before adopting new technologies, plan data management strategies carefully, evaluate maintenance costs against benefits, ensure accessibility for all users including those with limited internet access or disabilities, and develop responsible AI usage plans.
State laws influence how local governments use technology. Public records laws apply to digital data too. However, older laws may not address new technologies adequately. Local governments might need to create their own policies where state guidelines are lacking.
Public policies have budgetary implications and can affect infrastructure like video cameras in public buildings. Some lawmakers are proposing relevant legislation; municipal leaders should collaborate with representatives to monitor these developments.
Data management remains crucial as combining anonymized data sets can expose identities. Proper handling of sensitive information is essential amid AI advancements affecting data use and maintenance.
Engaging technology teams in policy discussions is vital since digital tech impacts nearly every aspect of municipal operations. Tech leadership should be involved in decisions about tech applications and tools.
This column builds on presentations from the April 2024 ICMA Local Government Reimagined Conference on AI. Additional resources are available through downloadable presentation materials.
