Montgomery County has partnered with InnovateUS to offer advanced generative AI support for its workforce, equipping employees with technology skills to drive problem solving and innovation. This initiative, aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations, will empower employees with the tools and knowledge they need to leverage artificial intelligence responsibly, improving services for all County residents. A discussion about AI during the County's weekly media briefing can be watched here.

As part of this initiative, the County is launching self-paced learning courses available to all County employees, focused on the responsible use of generative AI. These courses will provide employees with a comprehensive understanding of how to safely and effectively use AI technologies in their daily work. Through a community of practice, Montgomery County is encouraging employees to share knowledge, explore use cases and collaborate on innovative solutions to streamline operations. 

“We are proud to partner with InnovateUS to provide AI training that will help shape the future of our County’s government services,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “AI has the potential to significantly improve how we communicate and solve problems quickly, but it is crucial that we use it responsibly. This initiative equips our employees with the knowledge and skills to leverage AI in a way that enhances efficiency and effectiveness, while always keeping the needs of our residents at the forefront. By investing in this training, we’re preparing our workforce for the future and ensuring we deliver better, faster services for everyone.”

InnovateUS provides no-cost, at-your-own pace, and live learning on data, digital, innovation, and AI skills for public service professionals. Supported by philanthropy, there is no cost to County taxpayers for this learning. InnovateUS has worked with other governments, but Montgomery County is its largest client.

"Generative AI is already speeding up government processes and improving service delivery," said Montgomery County’s Chief Innovation Officer Michael Baskin. "Through this partnership with InnovateUS, we are equipping our workforce with the tools they need to drive innovation and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to responsible and ethical use."

Governed by a coalition of public sector learning and innovation leaders, including leaders from Montgomery County as well as a dozen other federal, state and local partners, the InnovateUS AI curriculum was developed specifically for and with public professionals and is designed to help government leaders deliver more effective policies and services.

Employees are encouraged to discover and share their own use cases with generative AI, and to look to how other government employees are already using the tools to: 

• Create and edit copy with greater speed and accuracy 

• Modernize outdated policy language to make it more accessible to the public 

• Draft job descriptions to support recruitment and hiring efforts.  

• Address duplication and conflicting guidance within hundreds of pages of employee policies   

"We are thrilled to partner with Montgomery County in this important initiative. Our goal is to empower Maryland public professionals with the skills they need to tackle today's complex challenges and build a more responsive, efficient government," said Beth Simone Noveck, Founder of InnovateUS. 

To ensure responsible AI use, employees will be trained to avoid inputting sensitive information, including personally identifiable information, into AI systems. Montgomery County remains committed to protecting resident data and maintaining transparency in its use of new technologies.   

This initiative builds on Montgomery County’s existing AI investments, including the Institute for Health Computing and the Monty 2.0 Chatbot from the County’s 311 service. This effort also aligns with our newly released AI Action Plan, which outlines key initiatives focused on integrating innovative solutions into public service. Specifically, it supports our goals for education and awareness, ensuring that our technology advancements benefit all residents.

About InnovateUS:

InnovateUS is a grant-funded online learning initiative that provides no-cost, at-your-own-pace learning in digital, data, innovation, and AI skills for public professionals. Their mission is to improve lives by enabling public professionals to deliver more effective and equitable policies and services.

About Montgomery County, MD: 

Montgomery County Government serves a diverse population of more than 1 million residents. As one of the most populous and economically vibrant counties in the State, it provides a wide range of public services, including education, public safety, transportation, health and social services. The County is committed to innovation, sustainability and inclusivity, working to improve the quality of life for all its residents while promoting economic growth and environmental stewardship. Through its leadership, Montgomery County strives to foster a thriving, equitable and forward-thinking community.

For more information about this partnership, please visit: https://innovate-us.org/partner/montgomerycounty   

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