The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) have supported the recommendation to approve a policy of artificial intelligence (AI) and procedures at their September board meeting.
This is an AI guidelines usage policy that would apply to all CSRD employees and elected officials.
The purpose of the AI guidelines policy is to protect sensitive information and to ensure accuracy and verification within the internal AI tool, Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Microsoft 365 Copilot is an AI companion specifically made of Microsoft platforms to enhance productivity.
Brad Payne, IT manager at CSRD highlighted the importance of AI in regional districts in his presentation to the board. In his presentation, it read Copilot respects organizational boundaries and does not leak data and information across tenants.
Specifically, he noted the ability to analyze large datasets for planning and environmental monitoring, the ability to automate routine administrative tasks such as permit processing and payroll queries.
Payne described the application of AI in local government.
“AI tools assist with scheduling, recruitment and training of employees,” his presentation read.
Among the list of how the tool could be applied, he explained the challenges and ethical considerations, such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, transparency and the need for ethical frameworks.
“One of the issues is a lot of data that is out there is untrue … that is why we talk about the human component,” Payne said.
The policy included a recommendation that a human committee be formed to ensure that all information within the internal AI tool is correct and true.
“[We would] use our internal information first, it does not reach out to the broader world essentially,” Payne said.
Director of the CSRD, Marty Gibbons said he thinks AI has a place in local government.
“AI helps in urban development planning by analyzing demographic and environmental data to forecast future needs. It also supports energy optimization in public buildings and improves waste collection schedules,” the report read.
Staff will bring forward updated policies and procedures for review at the September Board meeting.
