RGS Deputy Executive Director Rich Oppenheim recently participated in a Center for Democracy & Technology webinar focused on responsible use and governance of artificial intelligence by state and local governments.

Panelists discussed how agencies can balance innovation with accountability, maintain public trust, and establish thoughtful oversight as AI tools become more common in public-sector operations.

The conversation emphasized the importance of clear governance frameworks and proactive risk management as adoption continues to expand.

Rich’s key takeways:

• AI is as much a human challenge as a technical one. Responsible AI must account for imperfect people and tools — and still earn public trust.
• Don’t start with the tool. Start with the problem, your capacity, and what systems need to change.
• One-size governance doesn’t work. Capacity-aware frameworks matter.
• Organizational change is critical. Workforce development determines whether guardrails hold.
• Collaboration accelerates maturity and reduces duplication.

As AI use grows across local government, ongoing dialogue and practical governance strategies will remain essential to responsible implementation. Agencies can also explore resources from the GovAI Coalition.