The entrance to One Montgomery Plaza in Norristown, where many county offices are housed. Credit: Montgomery County Commissioners
The Montgomery County Commissioners are seeking applicants for a new Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence for Public Good. With this Advisory Council, Montgomery County aims to ensure that artificial intelligence is harnessed for public good—improving services, strengthening data-driven decision-making, and harnessing technology in ways that residents can trust.
“The rapid development of AI has the potential to help us solve problems and better serve Montgomery County residents,” said Neil K. Makhija, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “AI tools can help us prepare for floods and storms, reduce traffic congestion, and make government more efficient and accessible. But it has to be done right—and that means ethics, transparency, and public trust. Together with experts from around the county, we can harness technology that allows us to work smarter.”
“We want Montgomery County to be not just reactive, but forward-looking,” said Jamila H. Winder, Vice Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “This is a bold and necessary step, reflecting our belief that innovation belongs in government and that public trust should be centered in every decision we make.”
The Advisory Council will bring together 7-15 experts from the private sector, academia, public service, and nonprofits to guide Montgomery County in deploying artificial intelligence responsibly and ethically. The Council will work with an internal inter-departmental working group of County employees who will put this guidance into action, identifying opportunities for AI integration and ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsible innovation across County operations.
“Taxpayers expect their government to operate transparently and with a clear purpose,” said Tom DiBello, Montgomery County Commissioner. “I support the creation of this Advisory Council because technology is advancing whether or not we are ready for it. So, we need to make sure that it’s being used for the benefit of our residents in a way that is responsible and ethical. And as someone with a background in technology, I think it’s important for the county to embrace this kind of innovation.”
Together, these bodies will develop recommendations to lead the county’s efforts across five strategic focus areas: smart governance, finance and procurement, public safety, health and human services, and legal, ethical, and regulatory compliance. Each focus area will be guided by a commitment to public engagement, equitable service delivery, and continuous improvement.
Potential applicants can learn more at www.montgomerycountypa.gov/AICouncil.
Applications are due Saturday, May 31.
