Dutchess County and Marist University convene 200 leaders to discuss AI in government operations
More than 200 government, business, and nonprofit leaders gathered at Marist University on April 9 to examine how artificial intelligence is changing municipal operations, policy decisions, and public service delivery across the Hudson Valley region.
The summit, organized by Marist and the Dutchess County Office of Central and Information Services, brought together representatives from municipalities, school districts, fire and police agencies, and local businesses to discuss practical AI applications in their sectors.
How Dutchess County is using AI today
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino outlined current uses of AI in county operations. The technology streamlines document review, identifies missing information, and helps employees research large volumes of data.
County staff also use AI to write public-facing materials in plain language, replacing government jargon and acronyms that can confuse residents seeking services.
The county's Department of Community and Family Services is piloting an AI-powered call center designed to answer questions about temporary assistance benefits and guide applicants through intake processes. Officials expect the system to reduce application completion time and improve client satisfaction.
Ethics and training take priority
Serino said responsible AI use requires ethics to remain central to implementation efforts. "Using AI responsibly helps make sure we continue to build trust, empower people, and improve our work on behalf of our residents," she said.
Dutchess County's Office of Central and Information Services is developing staff training programs and an AI policy that establishes standards for ethics, security, accountability, and transparency.
Summit discussions covered integrating ethics into practical solutions, building AI literacy among employees, preparing teams for AI adoption, and applying the technology to real-world problems in healthcare and emergency management.
Universities preparing students for AI-driven work
Marist University announced an institutional AI strategy designed to ensure all graduates-regardless of major-finish their education prepared for careers in an AI-driven economy.
Kevin Gallagher, assistant dean of Marist's School of Liberal Arts, said the summit created rare opportunities for cross-sector dialogue. "Education, industry, government, and healthcare in the same room in conversation with one another" is the most effective way to address both challenges and opportunities, he said.
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