The Aurora Special Finance Committee on Oct. 24 approved a one‑year statement of work with International Data Corporation (IDC) to develop a generative artificial intelligence (AI) policy, strategy and roadmap for the city. The contract authorized a not‑to‑exceed amount of $136,570.

Mike Biggies, Aurora’s chief information officer, framed the request as a planning and governance step: “this is the statement of work focused on generative AI,” he said, and described generative AI as “a type of artificial intelligence that can basically create content based on patterns and data.” IDC consultant Kevin Brimberry told the committee the project aims to identify immediate productivity gains and policy guardrails before the city deploys public‑facing systems.

Committee discussion ranged from potential near‑term uses (chatbot support for the MyAurora 311 customer‑service effort, permit‑filling tools, and assistance drafting grant narratives) to concerns about privacy, bias and workforce impacts. Brimberry described examples such as a citizen‑facing chatbot that could send permit links or answer routine questions; he also emphasized the need for guardrails and an iterative roadmap.

Chief Management Officer Alex Alexander said the city’s approach would be conservative and policy‑driven: “This is a start. It’s a policy start. We are erring on the side of caution and conservative step by step,” he said, adding that the intent is to produce a tool that aids staff productivity rather than replaces jobs.

Aldermen asked whether the work includes drafting policies for public‑safety uses. Staff replied that public safety tools would require additional scrutiny and a staged approach because of the sensitivity of those operations. Alderman Tolliver moved approval; Alderman Bugg seconded. The committee approved the resolution by voice vote, recorded as 5‑0 in favor.

The contract is billed as a foundational, iterative step: staff and IDC will return with policy recommendations and a roadmap that could lead to pilot AI projects in later phases, subject to further committee review and procurement.