To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Phil Savino, Director, Information Technology
Prepared By:
prepared
Phil Savino, Director, Information Technology
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presenter
Presenter: Phil Savino, Director, Information Technology; Nikki Rosecrans, Manager of Information Security and Compliance; Keith Fuchser, Division Manager of Business Relations
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Subject:
title
Arapahoe County’s Ethical Artificial Intelligence Policy
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The Arapahoe County Information Technology Department (IT) would like to request approval from the Board of County Commissioners to formally adopt Arapahoe County’s Ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy.
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Background and Discussion: As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies rapidly evolve and become more embedded in government operations, Arapahoe County Leadership has proactively developed an Ethical AI Policy to govern responsible, secure, and transparent use of AI across departments and offices. The purpose of this policy is to affirm the County’s commitment to ethical AI practices by establishing clear guidelines that ensure fairness, accountability, privacy, and protection of individual rights in all AI-related activities. Through the intentional and informed adoption of AI, the County can drive innovation, improve service delivery, and enhance community engagement while maintaining public trust. A central element of this policy is the formation of an AI Governance Committee, which will oversee the review and approval of all AI technologies prior to procurement or implementation. This committee is responsible for ensuring that all AI use aligns with County values, adhere to ethical principles, and undergo a responsible review process.
The policy also introduces a countywide training plan to educate employees on the technical and ethical aspects of AI use, supporting responsible engagement and building internal capacity to manage these tools effectively that is currently under E-Team review. This policy’s approach is rooted in core principles-accessibility, accuracy, accountability, equity, fairness, privacy, transparency, and well-being-which will serve as the foundation for all AI initiatives. The policy applies to all individuals and entities involved in the design, development, deployment, monitoring, and retirement of AI systems within County operations, including contractors, third parties, and cross-government collaborations.
The Board approved adding this to the consent agenda at their study session on April 21, 2025.
Fiscal Impact: None.
Alternatives: None.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☐Be fiscally sustainable
☐Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community focused
Staff Recommendation: NA
Concurrence: E-Team.