PROJECT BRIEF

BACKGROUND

In 2024, the City of Tempe, Arizona is prioritizing the expansion of AI literacy and ethical AI usage across its municipal operations. As AI-powered tools become more integrated into public services, the city recognizes the importance of equipping employees with both foundational AI knowledge and a clear understanding of the ethical, legal, and societal implications. The initiative aligns with Tempe’s Ethical AI Policy and Generative AI Use Guidelines to ensure that AI technologies are procured and used responsibly.

AIMS

This project sought to provide training programs for Tempe’s city employees. The AI curriculum syllabus, featuring tailored procurement recommendations, aimed to democratize the skills and knowledge necessary to contend with the risks and ethical drawbacks of municipal AI use in Tempe, AZ. Intuitive framing of information would increase accessibility of AI-related content that will facilitate municipal employees from consumers and users of AI tools to executors and arbiters of its governance.

METHODOLOGY

The research process began by consulting with the City of Tempe’sChief Data Analytics Officer, to outline the curriculum’s initial goals. Relevant literature and interviews with AI pedagogy experts informed the flow, organization, and body of content. Common topics between the reputable literature and consulted subject-matter experts verified the validity of content structure and topic inclusion.

DELIVERABLES

The project team developed an AI curriculum and syllabus that contained four modules covering fundamental AI topics and relevant context for municipal employees: (1) What is AI?, (2) AI Risks, (3) AI in the City of Tempe, and (4) Practical Steps for Governance.

IMPACT AND FUTURE WORK

This curriculum addresses a critical gap by creating an approachable, comprehensive AI Literacy and Ethics Curriculum tailored to the City of Tempe's needs. Grounded in the Tempe Ethical AI Policy, the curriculum emphasizes responsible AI use, ethical considerations, and risk management. By focusing on municipal priorities, the project enhances the City’s ability to navigate the evolving generative AI landscape effectively and equip municipal employees with the knowledge to make informed decisions and uphold ethical standards in AI adoption.