Editorial: Help the County Write Rules for AI’s Robots
It is both ironic and fitting that Snohomish County is seeking guidance on the use of 21st-century artificial intelligence tools to manage its operations by turning to an ancient process of democratic rule-making: a civic assembly.
Later this year, an assembly of about 40 county residents will gather for a series of meetings to hear from experts, deliberate on the issues, and draft recommendations regarding the county’s use of AI. This initiative aims to establish a robots’ rules of order, ensuring that the efficiency offered by chatbots and other AI tools is balanced with the need for transparency, accurate information, and good governance.
Finding Common Ground
County Councilmember Nate Nehring emphasized the importance of addressing the concerns and opportunities presented by AI in a collaborative manner. He noted that AI is a pressing issue, but one that can foster discussions with fewer preconceived notions and partisan divides.
Nehring’s efforts align with those of his Democratic counterpart, Councilmember Jared Mead, who has worked to bridge the growing partisan divide following the events of January 6, 2021. Their collaboration resulted in the Building Bridges Project, which garnered attention from the Ruckelshaus Center, a joint initiative of the University of Washington and Washington State University.
Redefining Public Engagement
Public engagement in government is not a new concept, according to Jillian Youngblood, executive director of Civic Genius. Traditional public meetings and comment sessions often fail to provide a sense of ownership or satisfaction among citizens. Youngblood criticized these outdated models, stating that they often exclude working families and young adults who cannot dedicate hours to irrelevant meetings.
The civic assembly process resembles jury duty but is completely voluntary. In February, county residents will receive invitations to participate, with a random selection ensuring a diverse panel that represents various demographics.
Assembly Objectives and Process
During three weekends in April and May, the assembly will receive comprehensive briefings on AI issues from experts in various fields, including academics and government officials. After deliberations, participants will draft recommendations for the county council, which will then hold public hearings to discuss the proposals.
The process aims to be transparent, with all meetings and materials available to the public. An independent evaluation will be conducted by the Federation for Innovation in Democracy to ensure the process’s integrity.
The Rationale for Focusing on AI
The decision to focus on AI stems from recent media coverage highlighting the lack of existing rules governing its use in local government. Several local governments, including Everett and Bellingham, have already begun utilizing AI for various tasks, from social media posts to grant applications. However, challenges remain, such as concerns over the accuracy of AI-generated data.
As local governments face increased workloads and budget constraints, utilizing AI is understandable but must be approached with caution. Instances of AI hallucinations, where systems provide inaccurate data, raise valid concerns about relying on this technology without proper regulations.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The initiative to establish rules for AI’s use in Snohomish County represents a promising opportunity for citizen involvement in governance. Residents are encouraged to apply for this civic assembly, allowing them to contribute to shaping the future of AI in their community. The process not only aims to craft effective policies but also enhances public engagement and ownership in governmental decision-making.
AI chatbots, however, need not apply.
