North Carolina released its Statewide AI Strategic Road Map on July 8, 2026, setting 17 strategic goals to guide responsible artificial intelligence adoption across the state. Wake County Commissioner Shinica Thomas, the sole local government representative on Governor Josh Stein's AI Leadership Council, helped shape the recommendations. The road map aims to protect residents, prepare the workforce, and transform government services-providing a model for public-sector AI governance that balances innovation with accountability.
"Artificial intelligence is redefining our world, and this road map represents a commitment that no resident will be left behind or unprotected," said Commissioner Thomas. "The recommendations we made ensure our economy remains strong, our service delivery is more efficient, and our AI use is responsible and transparent."
A Framework Built on Three Priorities
The council's work organized around three core priorities:
- Protect residents from the harms of AI through strong protections for workers, consumers and critical public systems.
- Prepare our residents and maintain our status as the Top State for Business by supporting efforts to develop the skills to succeed in the jobs of today and tomorrow.
- Transform government to deliver better results and services for the people of North Carolina.
These goals include leading the way in trustworthy AI, expanding AI literacy, supporting workers, protecting people from fraud and scams, safeguarding privacy and minimizing risk, and promoting accountability.
Governance Rooted in Executive Action
Governor Stein established the AI Leadership Council through Executive Order 24 in 2025. The council advises the governor and state agencies on AI strategy, policy and training to foster innovation, advance AI-driven industries, and prepare the workforce. Commissioner Thomas also serves on the National Association of Counties' AI Exploratory Committee, which she chaired in 2024, and continues to represent Wake County as one of eight elected leaders on that committee.
Public-sector executives developing their own AI road maps can find relevant frameworks and case studies in AI for Government.
Why this matters for Executives and Strategy
The North Carolina road map demonstrates how strategic AI planning requires cross-sector collaboration and clear ethical guardrails. For executives, the takeaway is that AI governance isn't a technical afterthought-it's a leadership discipline that shapes public trust and operational readiness. Executives can explore additional resources on aligning AI initiatives with broader organizational strategy in AI for Executives & Strategy.
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