Leander staff propose generative AI acceptable-use policy; council asks for changes, takes no action

Leander Assistant Director of IT Stuart Smith presented a draft city policy on using generative artificial intelligence at the March 6 Leander City Council meeting, proposing a framework that delegates routine, low-risk AI uses to departments while routing higher-risk uses that involve confidential data to the city manager for review.

The proposed policy aims to balance “accountability, transparency, awareness, and innovation,” Smith told the council, explaining that it would allow departments latitude to use generative tools for nonconfidential tasks without going through the city’s standard, often slower, technology procurement review. Uses that would involve confidential or legally protected data would require an elevated review and approval by the city manager and input from relevant stakeholders such as human resources, the records office, and…