AI Roadmap

AI or Artificial Intelligence refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. These processes include learning (acquiring data and recognizing patterns), reasoning (making decisions and solving problems), and self-correction (adapting to new information).

Executive Summary: AI Roadmap for York County

The AI Roadmap for York County is structured to ensure a long-term, sustainable, and adaptable framework for integrating AI into county operations. With several initiatives already in progress, the roadmap focuses on flexible processes and policies, rather than specific software solutions, to ensure that the county can continue to evolve alongside rapidly changing AI technologies while maintaining ethical, secure, and efficient operations.

York County has made significant strides in Policy and Governance, working with the "GovAI Coalition" to establish comprehensive guidelines for ethical and secure AI use. The policy framework, currently in progress, will provide administrative controls tailored to AI technologies, ensuring they are used responsibly in daily operations. In parallel, the county is actively monitoring and shaping AI-Related Legislation through ongoing collaboration with JCOTS and VaLGITE, ensuring that emerging policies support innovation without imposing unnecessary barriers.

Progress is also well underway in AI-Focused Workforce Education, with four sessions of AI leadership training already completed and department-specific training provided for IT and Economic Development teams. These efforts are ensuring that employees are well-equipped to adopt AI technologies, fostering a culture of innovation and acceptance. Digitization of county workflows has also advanced, with several departments, including HR and IT, already digitized, and other departments like Planning and Development Services currently undergoing assessment.

The county is also enhancing citizen interactions with AI-Driven Public Engagement solutions. AI chatbots are already live on the county website, providing 24/7 real-time support, and automated surveys are streamlining citizen feedback. These tools are part of an ongoing initiative to make services more responsive and data-driven.

Through this systematic and adaptive approach, York County is building a robust foundation for AI integration, ensuring flexibility, security, and continuous improvement as new technologies emerge. 

York County AI (Artificial Intelligence) Roadmap

Governance

1.    Policy and Governance

o    Objective: Establish comprehensive guidelines and a governance framework that ensure the ethical, secure, and responsible use of AI within the county, with a focus on implementing administrative controls tailored to AI technologies.

o    Purpose: Provide clear, actionable guidance on the acceptable use of AI for all employees, ensuring the safe, ethical, and secure application of AI systems in daily operations, while fostering transparency and trust.

o    Status:  In Progress - Collaborating with “GovAI Coalition” which is a local government based organization to promote responsible and purposeful AI in the public sector. They just finalized their recommended AI policy manuals, which York IT will modify and propose implementation of a customized version.

2.    Legislation

o    Objective: Actively monitor, contribute to, and help shape emerging AI legislation that impacts local government, ensuring that it supports innovation while safeguarding against potential risks.

o    Purpose: Advocate for legislation that supports responsible AI use in local government without creating unnecessary barriers, while ensuring that AI systems are secure, non-discriminatory, and promote equitable and efficient public services.

o    Status: Completed for 2025 General Session , in Progress for 2026 General Session

Preparation

3.    AI-Focused Workforce Education and Acceptance

o    Objective: To equip the workforce with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively adopt and utilize AI technologies, fostering an environment of acceptance and innovation.

o    Purpose: As AI technologies become integral to government operations, it is critical that staff at all levels feel confident and competent in using these tools. By prioritizing AI education and acceptance, the county can ensure smoother integration of AI, increased productivity, and a culture of innovation that embraces technological advancements.

o    Status: Completed – Performed 5 sessions of AI for Leadership training series and shared recording with all departments for their staff. Performed and completed specific department training for IT, Human Resources, Tourism & Economic Development, and Finance.

4.    Digitization

o    Objective: To streamline and modernize government processes through the digitization of documents and workflows, reducing reliance on manual processes and improving operational efficiency.

o    Purpose: Digitization is key to transforming the county’s operations into a more agile, responsive, and transparent system. By shifting from paper-based to digital processes, the county can reduce costs, enhance service delivery, and create a more sustainable and efficient workflow that benefits both employees and residents.

o    Status: In Progress – HR and Geographic Information Systems are completed. Planning and Development Services is in progress. Currently performing an organization-wide assessment to scope the status of other agencies.

5.    AI-Focused Public Education

o    Objective: To educate and inform the public about the benefits, risks, and opportunities of AI technologies, fostering transparency and building trust in AI-driven public services.

o    Purpose: As AI becomes more integrated into public services, it is essential that citizens understand how AI impacts their daily lives and the services they receive. Through targeted public education initiatives, the county can ensure that residents are informed, engaged, and prepared to navigate an AI-powered future, reducing potential resistance and building trust in government initiatives.

o    Status: Completed - In person presentation done at York Library and video recorded and published on website.

Implementation

6.    AI-Driven Public Engagement

o    Objective: Implement AI-powered chatbots and automated survey tools to enhance public engagement by providing real-time, accurate, and easily accessible interactions that improve the efficiency and responsiveness of county services.

o    Purpose: Utilize AI technology to streamline communication between residents and the county, offering 24/7 support through chatbots for common inquiries and leveraging automated surveys to gather feedback. This approach will promote more inclusive, data-driven decision-making and strengthen the relationship between the county and its citizens.

o    Status: Completed – Implemented CivicPlus’ Chatbot on the County’s website to interact with citizens to provide 24/7 real-time answers. Additionally implemented the cost effective FlashVote solution, which streamlines citizen input for data driven governance. 

7.    Modernize Productivity with AI-Enhanced Collaboration Tools

o    Objective: Migrate the county’s productivity and collaboration tools to a modern, AI-powered platform that enhances communication, streamlines workflows, and boosts overall efficiency across departments.

o    Purpose: By adopting AI-enhanced collaboration tools, the county will benefit from features such as intelligent document management, automated task organization, and improved team communication. This modernization will optimize daily operations, increase productivity, and facilitate more effective decision-making through integrated AI capabilities.

o    Status: Completed – IT has implemented Microsoft Office 365 which is rapidly integrating AI along with Teams functionality.

8.    Launch AI-Powered Flagship Program

o    Objective: Develop and implement a cutting-edge, AI-driven software solution designed to enhance the monitoring, assessment, and management of critical infrastructure systems, optimizing efficiency and reducing operational costs.

o    Purpose: By deploying this flagship AI-powered program, the county significantly improved the accuracy and speed of infrastructure inspections and maintenance planning. The software uses AI to automate data collection, identify issues proactively, and streamline decision-making processes, ultimately leading to better resource allocation and long-term sustainability of essential services.

o    Status: Completed – IT with Public Works has procured PipeAid, which is based on AI to rapidly and efficiently evaluate miles of sewer utility pipes for faults faster and more efficiently than a human being could ever accomplish.

9.    Cybersecurity

o    Objective: Implement robust cybersecurity measures tailored specifically to AI systems, ensuring the protection of sensitive data, maintaining system integrity, and safeguarding against emerging cyber threats targeting AI infrastructure.

o    Purpose: As AI systems become increasingly integrated into county operations, it is essential to protect these technologies from cyber threats. This involves securing data inputs, safeguarding algorithms from tampering, and ensuring AI-driven decision-making remains trustworthy and accurate. A focus on AI-specific cybersecurity will help prevent malicious attacks, reduce vulnerabilities, and maintain the resilience of critical county services powered by AI.

o    Status:  Expected 2026 Q3 – This will require additional funding to implement modern AI cybersecurity solutions. Additionally technology like Intrusion Prevention Systems specific to AI are still under development by major industry developers like IBM.

10.    Systematic evaluation and roll-out of future AI projects

o    Objective: Establish a structured framework for evaluating, piloting, and deploying future AI projects, ensuring that each initiative aligns with the county's strategic goals, delivers measurable value, and meets ethical and operational standards.

o    Purpose: As the county continues to explore AI solutions, a systematic approach will ensure that new AI projects are rigorously assessed for feasibility, impact, and scalability before implementation. This process will help prioritize high-value initiatives, minimize risks, and ensure that AI technologies are integrated effectively, driving long-term innovation and operational excellence across departments.

o    Status:  Expected 2026 Q3 – will require lessons learned from AI-powered flagship program.