The City Council of Indianapolis convened on July 29, 2025, to discuss the ongoing development and training initiatives related to artificial intelligence (AI) within the city’s workforce. The meeting highlighted the progress made in training programs aimed at ensuring responsible AI use, particularly in the public sector.

A key focus of the discussion was the InnovateUs training program, which educates employees on the responsible use of generative AI in the workplace. Since the last update in May, participation in this program has doubled, with 126 employees completing the course. Additionally, a data classification training program launched earlier this year has seen a 139% increase in completions, totaling 284 participants. These training sessions are designed to build foundational knowledge about data handling and responsible AI use, with a strong emphasis on privacy and security.

Despite the positive growth in training numbers, officials expressed the need to close the gap in eligible participants for the CoPilot pilot program, which requires completion of both training courses. Currently, only 119 out of 200 licenses are being utilized, prompting a commitment to encourage more employees to complete the necessary training.

The meeting also addressed the importance of fostering a culture of learning and adaptation across all levels of the organization. Officials noted that interest in the training programs spans various roles, from department heads to administrative assistants, indicating a broad commitment to enhancing skills related to AI.

Looking ahead, there is a recognition that further steps will be needed to mandate AI training for supervisory and managerial positions, which could enhance productivity across departments. The council anticipates that by 2026, a more structured approach to AI training may be implemented, based on feedback and evaluations of current programs.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to integrating AI responsibly within its operations while ensuring that employees are well-equipped to navigate the evolving technological landscape. The council aims to continue building on this momentum, fostering a collaborative environment that embraces innovation and prepares the workforce for future challenges.