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Council adopts AI use policy, limits generative AI to GovAI platform and plans outreach
Summary
The Ellensburg City Council adopted Resolution 2025‑09 on May 5 to set a city policy for generative AI use, recommending staff limit use to a GovAI platform that reduces risk of exposing confidential data and directing ongoing review and public education.
The Ellensburg City Council adopted Resolution 2025‑09 on May 5 establishing a city policy for use of generative artificial intelligence by staff and council.
IT Director Jim Gaven told the council that generative AI has potential to improve productivity but also poses risks including data leakage, bias and incorrect information. Staff recommended limiting generative AI use to a GovAI platform (an OpenAI‑based solution tailored to government) that includes features to identify and conceal confidential information before it is sent to the AI engine, enterprise license management, usage reporting and the creation of city‑specific assistants and document libraries.
Gaven said the technology is evolving and the city will review the policy on an ongoing basis. He also said the draft policy requires that if staff uses generative AI to create content and the content has not been substantially changed, the source must be credited. A member of the public said the technology “scares me” and urged education; Gaven and council members agreed to provide onboarding and outreach to council, commissions and the public.
Council members moved and seconded adoption of the resolution and approved it. The city will implement enterprise GovAI licensing and develop training and public‑education materials as the policy is rolled out.
