Opportunities & Considerations

As Miami-Dade County embraces AI to enhance its mission, it's essential to address the evolving challenges and considerations accompanying this technology. While AI offers transformative opportunities, the County is committed to navigating its integration thoughtfully and responsibly. This journey is guided by a comprehensive approach that emphasizes ethical implementation, transparency, and community benefit. Key considerations include: 

• Governance and Ethics: The County is developing clear guidelines for AI use, ensuring alignment with values, Florida Statutes, and legal requirements. Employees will be regularly trained and provided with resources to ensure countywide adherence to established policies. 
• Transparency and Accountability: Miami-Dade is committed to fostering public trust through transparent AI decision-making processes. AI will be made available for testing and feedback via online beta testing before the launch of solutions to ensure we are building solutions that make sense. 
• Data Privacy and Security: The County prioritizes adherence to stringent data privacy standards and regularly conducts comprehensive security assessments, informed by standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). County cybersecurity standards and training have been modified to include the most current industry standards and guidelines, including best practices for securing AI systems and addressing AI-specific threats. 
• Workforce Impact: Recognizing that our employees are central to our AI strategy, Miami-Dade is investing in strategic academic partnerships and upskilling programs to prepare employees for AI integration, focusing on augmenting employee work rather than replacing it. In partnership with industry and academic organizations, the County provides training to prepare employees with the skills needed to succeed in an AI-driven environment. The County will also explore the creation of cross-departmental innovation teams empowering diverse teams to learn new skills. 
• Infrastructure and Technical Challenges: The County recognizes the need for sound technical infrastructure to support AI implementation. Investment strategies for cloud infrastructure, data storage, and retirement of legacy systems are well underway, ensuring the County's technological foundation is prepared for the demands of AI. ITD is actively building capabilities to facilitate AI efforts and provide governance and direction. 
• Cost Management and Budgets: The County will invest strategically in AI solutions that deliver measurable value within budget constraints, understanding the need to find efficiencies and sound solutions to identify cost savings and improve public services. 

The Administration remains committed to harnessing the potential of emerging technology, while thoughtfully addressing potential challenges through governance, clearly defined guidelines, workforce development initiatives, and ongoing community engagement. The goal is to create a more innovative and efficient government for all residents, ensuring that AI serves as a force for positive change throughout Miami-Dade County.