The Transformative Power of Artificial Intelligence in State and Local Government
Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize the way state and local governments operate. At the forefront of this transformation is not only the technology itself but also the human capability to engage with it effectively. One critical skill public-sector employees require is the ability to "talk" to AI systems, optimally guiding these advanced tools to enhance workflows and service delivery.
The Importance of Human-AI Interaction
At the recently held National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) Midyear Conference in Philadelphia, state IT leaders emphasized a shared challenge: how to empower employees to utilize approved AI systems effectively. The potential for AI to impact state and local workflows is immense, but realizing that potential hinges on equipping workers with the right skills.
A notable example is Pennsylvania’s yearlong pilot program with OpenAI, where over 175 state employees accessed ChatGPT Enterprise. While 85 percent of participants reported a “very positive” experience, they encountered challenges in interacting with the AI tool.
“There’s just a learning curve of learning how to prompt and interact with something new,” explained Harrison MacRae, Pennsylvania’s director of emerging technologies. He emphasized the necessity of varied training approaches to facilitate this learning, ensuring employees are set up for success in utilizing the AI tools available to them.
Crafting Effective Prompts
A key element in the learning process is understanding how to craft effective prompts. OpenGov has showcased quality prompt examples specifically tailored for public-sector employees, enhancing their ability to extract valuable insights and support from AI tools.
To illustrate this, Government Technology tested a simple prompt in Google Gemini, revealing how varying the prompt can yield different results. This exercise underscores the importance of learning how to communicate clearly with AI, similar to instructing a person about a task.
Understanding Promptathons
This is where the concept of promptathons comes into play. Imagine a hackathon—but instead of programming, teams gather to focus on crafting, refining, and testing the perfect instructions for generative AI tools. These collaborative sessions are designed to enhance understanding and comfort with AI, equipping employees to maximize the resources available to them.
Recent research from Pew Research Center indicates that around 1 in 6 workers currently utilize AI in some capacity, while an additional 25 percent express an interest in using AI tools for tasks they currently handle manually. This highlights a significant opportunity for workforce development through initiatives like promptathons, which have already shown promise in sectors like healthcare.
For example, a successful promptathon conducted at NYU Langone Health in 2024 illustrated the potential for similar events in the public sector. By engaging in these collaborative exercises, state and local government employees can build the necessary comfort and expertise to use AI efficiently.
Skills Development Through Practice
Nathan Loura, the Chief Information Security Officer for Rhode Island, emphasized that mastery of skills—much like riding a bike—comes with practice. “Just like anything else, you go to ride a bike, you’re going to fall the first few times,” he said. His metaphor illustrates that repeated effort and experience will lead to competence and confidence when engaging with AI.
As AI technologies continue to evolve, experts predict that skills such as prompt engineering may become less critical. AI systems are expected to become more intuitive, featuring enhanced abilities to understand nuanced human intent over time.
The Future of AI in Public Sector
Jennifer Lorenz, former Deputy CIO of New York, remarked on the implications for future generations. “Folks in school now are learning how to engage with AI as a part of their everyday lives.” She posits that as AI tools become more integrated into daily functioning, the emphasis on specialized training may diminish. In ten to twenty years, the landscape might look very different, with AI engagement embedded into foundational skill sets.
The path to leveraging AI effectively within state and local governments hinges on fostering a culture of experimentation and continuous learning. As public-sector employees build their skills in this area, they will be better positioned to harness the transformative power of AI, ultimately enhancing government services for citizens.
