Santa Clara County employees are seeking safeguards regarding the use of artificial intelligence amid growing concerns about potential job displacement.
AI Regulation Under Consideration
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to discuss a comprehensive study on Tuesday regarding AI implementation across county departments, including the public hospital system – California’s second largest. Proposed guidelines would require disclosure when AI is used in county operations, explicitly prohibit its use in personnel and budgetary decisions, and prioritize AI’s role in assisting, not replacing, county workers. If approved, the policy will return for a final vote at a later date.
District 5 Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga, working with Board President Otto Lee, expressed primary concern over the potential for AI to replace public servants. “Fundamentally our goal is not to replace workers, but to augment and help streamline their work,” Abe-Koga stated.
Union Concerns and Current AI Use
Labor unions have voiced concerns about the potential impact of AI on the county workforce. Zeb Feldman, a leader with the County Employees Management Association, noted, “Everything is knowable now,” and expressed support for discussing prohibited AI use cases, specifically preventing its application to firing or disciplinary actions. The union represents more than 3,000 workers in Santa Clara County.
Supervisor Abe-Koga indicated her staff is currently evaluating various AI tools, including those for creating employee training videos and speech-to-text platforms for synthesizing doctors’ notes. A Microsoft CoPilot program is too underway in select departments, with potential expansion county-wide based on initial results.
San Jose is already actively integrating AI into its local government, having launched the GovAI Coalition to establish responsible AI standards. Mayor Matt Mahan’s office utilizes ChatGPT for speechwriting, and the city employs AI-powered software to optimize public transit, translate meetings, review documents, and identify public works issues.
Maria Noel Fernandez, executive director of Working Partnerships USA, believes local governments like Santa Clara County can serve as models for responsible AI use nationwide.
Some county workers have suggested broadening the focus beyond generative AI – which creates modern content – to encompass all forms of AI, given their potential social impacts. While county employees are currently prohibited from using certain AI products without approval, the approval process is reportedly lengthy.
South Bay Labor Council Executive Officer Jean Cohen emphasized the require for co-creation of policies with workers and addressing concerns about potential AI-driven surveillance on the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Board of Supervisors considering regarding AI?
The Board of Supervisors is considering a comprehensive study on how AI is used across county departments and guidelines to ensure responsible implementation, including prohibiting its use in personnel decisions.
What concerns have been raised about AI’s impact on county employees?
Concerns have been raised about the potential for AI to replace human workers, leading to job displacement, and the need for safeguards to protect workers’ rights and privacy.
Is San Jose already using AI in its government operations?
Yes, San Jose is actively integrating AI into various aspects of its government, including public transit, translation services, and identifying public works issues.
As AI technology continues to evolve, what steps can local governments grab to balance innovation with the need to protect their workforce and ensure equitable outcomes?
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