The Hayden City Council agreed to move forward with a vote on implementing an AI employee use policy. The policy outlines proper and improper use of artificial intelligence by Hayden city employees.

“It's been discussed internally as a means to try to bring forward policies around when AI should be used within city records and when it shouldn't be,” Hayden City Administrator Lisa Ailport said. “The policy is really built with that in mind, to try to make sure that the records are accurate… as we keep our records indefinitely, that those are accurately reflected back on.”

The policy would include AI training for city employees to protect against sharing private or personal information with AI, the disclosure of the use of AI to create, alter or generate content, verification of any information AI provides against at least one reputable, reliable and verifiable source, as well as the stipulation that AI technology shall not be used to replace the knowledge, expertise, judgment and decision-making of city employees.

“It's an extremely beneficial tool,” Councilman David Erickson said. “It saves me personally hundreds of hours with everything I do over the course of the past months, I would say with research and creating projects, that sort of thing. So I think it's very wise to have this sort of policy put in place so that we can start using it properly within the city.”

Added Council President Ed DePriest: “I don’t think creating a policy can be harmful, it’s a guideline for how to manage and navigate any situation or circumstance. I think with the explosion of AI and numerous types of AIs, it’s a good idea for the city to set guidelines for staff and those involved with potentially using it.”