The City Council of Indianapolis convened on July 29, 2025, to discuss the ongoing initiatives and future plans related to the Commission on Artificial Intelligence Development. The meeting focused on the partnership with Google, aimed at enhancing professional development through access to Coursera courses.

The session began with an overview of the partnership, highlighting the successful acquisition of 150 licenses for Coursera, which allows city employees to pursue professional certificates in areas such as data analysis, cybersecurity, and project management. The initial interest survey revealed over 300 submissions, indicating a strong demand for these training opportunities. All available seats were filled within an hour of registration, leading to discussions about a potential phase two of the program in 2026.

Participants in the program are expected to commit significant time, approximately 150 hours over six months, to complete their courses. Monthly cohort meetings will be held to monitor progress and celebrate achievements, featuring guest speakers from relevant fields to provide insights into career opportunities.

The council also addressed the implications of this training on employee retention and professional development. Concerns were raised about the potential for trained employees to leave for other opportunities, with discussions on whether to implement incentives such as wage increases for those who complete the training. However, it was noted that such decisions would fall outside the purview of the Information Services Agency (ISA).

Additionally, the meeting touched on the broader context of AI implementation within the city. The ISA representatives shared their participation in a national AI government leadership program, which has provided access to a library of use cases from other cities. This resource aims to guide Indianapolis in identifying scalable and sustainable AI solutions.

The council also discussed the challenges of managing data generated by AI technologies, particularly regarding records retention policies. The ISA is currently reviewing its generative AI policy to ensure compliance with state regulations and to address the anticipated increase in data storage needs.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to leveraging AI for professional development while navigating the complexities of employee retention and data management. The council plans to continue exploring partnerships and training opportunities to enhance the skills of its workforce in the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.