The Larimer County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held a work session on April 14, 2025, focusing on the development of a policy regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the organization. The meeting began with a discussion on the ethical implications of AI, emphasizing the need to mitigate bias and ensure neutrality in its application.

Commissioners highlighted the importance of establishing a foundational philosophy around AI usage, which would guide the creation of guidelines and training for staff. They acknowledged the potential benefits of AI as a tool while stressing the necessity of careful prompt writing to avoid reinforcing existing biases.

The discussion transitioned into the specifics of the policy development process. The county has been actively involved in a national government AI coalition, collaborating with various municipal and state entities to formulate effective policies and guidelines. Input was gathered from the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Board, as well as internal IT teams, to ensure a comprehensive approach to AI policy.

The policy draft underwent multiple reviews, including assessments by the county's policy committee and legal counsel, before being presented to the BOCC. Key elements of the policy include definitions of AI, principles guiding its use, and references to existing data privacy and protection policies. The scope of the policy extends to all county staff, volunteers, vendors, and contractors.

A significant point of discussion was the concept of "human in the loop," which emphasizes the importance of human oversight in AI applications. This aspect was deemed crucial for maintaining accountability and ethical standards in the use of AI technologies.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further refine the policy, ensuring it aligns with both local and national standards while addressing the unique needs of Larimer County. The BOCC plans to continue discussions on this topic in future sessions, aiming to finalize the policy and implement training for staff on responsible AI use.