Deployment Strategy

The primary goal for this key focus area is to leverage AI to transform public services and enhance the quality of life for County residents. The objective is to identify and implement AI-driven solutions that increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service delivery, ultimately enhancing government transparency and accountability.

AI use cases will be released for public testing and feedback at the Future-Ready Innovation Labs. Based on our organizational assessment, we have identified several high-priority AI projects that align with County goals and offer significant potential for improving services and operations.

1. Innovation Incubation:
   1. Establish a sandbox and Future-Ready Innovation Lab to foster collaboration, partnerships, experimentation, and development of AI solutions addressing specific government challenges
2. Public Service Enhancement:
   1. Implement AI-powered chatbots for personalized service delivery
   2. Develop AI-driven predictive maintenance systems for public infrastructure
3. Operational Efficiency:
   1. Utilize AI for automating repetitive administrative tasks, enhancing predictive analytics, and improving decision-making processes
   2. Implement document automation and automated compliance reporting systems

Action Items to implement use case intake and evaluation process according to the following steps:

1. Identify: Create a systematic process for identifying high-potential AI opportunities aligned with the County’s strategic direction
2. Assess: Evaluate technical feasibility, alignment to mission, and organizational readiness for identified use cases
3. Prioritize: Develop a ranked portfolio of AI initiatives based on impact, effort, and organizational fit
4. Execute: Successfully validate, implement, deliver, and measure AI solutions while ensuring compliance and risk management

This key focus area is centered on developing AI skills within the existing workforce and attracting top talent to ensure the successful adoption and implementation of AI technologies. By investing in people, the County aims to foster a culture of AI innovation and expertise, positioning itself as a leader in public sector AI deployment and integration.

1. Mentorship and Talent Programs:
   1. Establish mentor programs to foster idea and knowledge sharing
   2. Develop strategies to compete with the private sector for top AI talent to support County initiatives
2. Training and Development:
   1. Conduct a comprehensive AI skills gap analysis across all departments, utilizing data analytics to identify specific areas of focus
   2. Develop a persona-based training strategy based on skill level and career track for employees to develop AI-related competencies. (Awareness, Literacy, and Upskilling)
   3. Offer AI certifications and courses to public-sector employees through partnerships with local educational institutions
3. Career Path Development:
   1. Create clear career paths for County professionals that acquire AI skills to ensure long-term retention and growth within the government sector

Action Items to implement workforce upskill opportunities and easy to access resources:

1. Launch InnovateUS: Microsite was created to train public servants with basic skills to use generative AI tools
2. Promote MS Learning Hub: Leverage existing Microsoft resources to provide self-paced online training
3. Enable LinkedIn Learning: With a Library Card using County employee email, all employees can access thousands of online courses
4. Promote MDC ENTEC: Train employees to access free credit courses and certification opportunities
5. Launch Developer Courses: Monetize access to vendor training and Pluralsight online courses for technical upskilling

This focus area emphasizes responsible governance and strong infrastructure to support AI implementation, ensuring data security, risk management, and public trust. Creating a well-defined technology stack optimizes the development process by streamlining workflows, enhancing performance, and ensuring scalability while fostering team efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

1. Technology Infrastructure Development:
   1. Develop and maintain the necessary technology infrastructure to support AI systems, including data storage, processing capabilities, and AI testbeds
   2. Expand efforts to centralize data
   3. Ensure compliance with AI-related regulations and standards, adapting existing frameworks where necessary
2. Risk Management and Oversight:
   1. Identify and mitigate risks associated with AI deployment, including cybersecurity threats and data privacy concerns
   2. Implement AI-driven predictive analytics for enhanced security measures
3. Accountability and Transparency:
   1. Ensure transparency in AI decision-making processes and establish accountability structures for AI use
   2. Develop metrics to measure the impact and effectiveness of AI procurements and implementations

Action items to emphasize responsible governance and strong infrastructure:

1. Establish IT Architecture: Create strategy to modernize infrastructure and plan for a future-state environment
2. Develop Technology Stack: Provide a structured set of technologies that developers can use to build and purchase software applications effectively, ensuring consistency, scalability, and efficiency
3. Create R&D Sandbox: Provide a safe and controlled environment for experimentation, allowing teams to innovate, validate ideas, and troubleshoot without the risk of impacting live systems or operations
4. Retire Legacy Applications: Utilize low code and AI technology to modernize applications that threaten the security and privacy of County data