Lunch & Learn: Responsible AI in Action: Policy, Ethics, and Data Integrity Sessions

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday operations in public agencies, but its adoption raises important questions around policy, ethics, and public trust. This Lunch & Learn session explores how park and recreation professionals can navigate the responsible use of AI while protecting data integrity, privacy, and transparency. Participants will gain a clear understanding of key AI policy considerations, including data governance, intellectual property, bias, and accountability. The session will examine common risks associated with public, general-purpose AI tools, such as unverifiable data sources and unintended data exposure, and contrast them with privacy-first approaches designed for public sector use. Through practical examples, attendees will learn how AI systems built on trusted, agency-controlled information sources can reduce risk while improving access to accurate public information. The session concludes with a discussion of how responsible AI design supports ethical decision-making and strengthens community confidence. Learning Objectives: 1. Identify key ethical and policy issues related to AI use in public agencies. 2. Understand why data source integrity is critical to responsible AI adoption. 3. Explore practical, governance-friendly approaches to implementing AI tools.