The Committee on Public Works and Operations of the District of Columbia convened on June 12, 2025, to discuss key budgetary and operational matters, focusing on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives. Chairperson Brianne Nadeau led the session, which included testimony from various officials, including the Chief Technology Officer and the Chief Risk Officer.

The meeting began with discussions surrounding the Budget Support Act (BSA) related to cybersecurity and AI. The Chief Technology Officer emphasized the importance of refining the scope of authority in these areas. The goal is to ensure that information technology services across the DC government are managed efficiently and securely. The CTO noted that centralized IT management is crucial for effective governance, especially given the complexity of the district's numerous agencies and systems.

A significant point raised was the need for a permanent legislative framework for cybersecurity, as opposed to relying on temporary city administrator or mayor's orders. This change aims to provide a lasting legacy of cybersecurity leadership that transcends individual administrations. The CTO clarified that the BSA does not alter existing restrictions on the purchase or deployment of AI technologies but seeks to integrate emerging technologies into the established governance framework.

Following the technology discussion, the meeting transitioned to testimony from Jed Ross, the Chief Risk Officer and Director of the Office of Risk Management. Ross was sworn in and prepared to provide insights into risk management strategies within the district.

The session concluded with acknowledgments from Chairperson Nadeau and a commitment to continue addressing the outlined issues in future meetings. The discussions highlighted the district's proactive approach to enhancing cybersecurity measures and integrating advanced technologies into its operational framework.