(TNS) — Montgomery County officials solicited participation Thursday for a recently launched task force focusing on “artificial intelligence for public good.”
The “advisory council” is expected to bring between seven and 15 individuals with experience in academia, nonprofits, public service, and the private sector together to aid the county’s usage of artificial intelligence in an ethical and responsible fashion. Applications are due by May 31.
“The rapid development of AI has the potential to help us solve problems and better serve Montgomery County residents,” Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairman Neil Makhija said in a statement issued Thursday. “AI tools can help us prepare for floods and storms, reduce traffic congestion, and make government more efficient and accessible. But it has to be done right—and that means ethics, transparency, and public trust. Together with experts from around the county, we can harness technology that allows us to work smarter.”
Montgomery County OKs $4.15M in IT, Public Safety Contracts
Officials stressed that “harnessing technology in ways that residents can trust” is paramount as the coalition seeks to focus on service improvement and “data-driven decision making” efforts, a county spokesperson said Thursday. The advisory council is expected to collaborate with a group of county employees who will implement recommendations dedicated to “identifying opportunities for AI integration and ensuring transparency, accountability and responsible innovation across county operations.”
The advisory council’s efforts are expected to examine technology usage in the following areas: finance and procurement, health and human services, legal, ethical, and regulatory compliance, and smart governance.
“We want Montgomery County to be not just reactive, but forward-looking,” Montgomery County Commissioners’ Vice Chairwoman Jamila Winder said in a statement. “This is a bold and necessary step, reflecting our belief that innovation belongs in government and that public trust should be centered in every decision we make.”
Montgomery County Commissioner Tom DiBello agreed.
“Taxpayers expect their government to operate transparently and with a clear purpose,” DiBello said in a statement. “I support the creation of this Advisory Council because technology is advancing whether or not we are ready for it. So, we need to make sure that it’s being used for the benefit of our residents in a way that is responsible and ethical. And as someone with a background in technology, I think it’s important for the county to embrace this kind of innovation.”
Those interested in submitting applications can visit montgomerycountypa.gov/AICouncil for more information.
© 2025 The Reporter. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
