The City Council of Indianapolis convened the Commission on Artificial Intelligence Development on July 29, 2025, to discuss the strategic and responsible use of AI within city operations. The meeting, chaired by City County Councilor Dan Boots, featured a range of commission members, including city officials and technology leaders.

The highlight of the session was a presentation by Kate Coaten, the Chief Digital Officer of the Information Services Agency. Coaten emphasized the importance of empowering AI initiatives in a way that aligns with the city's goals and values. She outlined plans to integrate AI technologies into city services, aiming to enhance efficiency and improve public service delivery.

Commission members, including Colin Hill, the Chief Information Officer for Indianapolis, and Michael Paul Hart, the minority leader on the council, expressed support for the initiative. They underscored the need for a framework that ensures ethical AI use, addressing potential concerns about privacy and data security.

The discussions also touched on the importance of collaboration between city departments and private sector partners to foster innovation. As the city moves forward with these AI initiatives, the commission aims to establish guidelines that will govern the responsible deployment of AI technologies.

This meeting marks a significant step for Indianapolis as it seeks to leverage AI to improve city operations while ensuring that ethical considerations remain at the forefront of technological advancements. The commission plans to continue its work, with further discussions scheduled to refine the AI strategy and implementation plans.