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Milwaukee committee adopts generative AI policy for city workforce
Summary
The Finance and Personnel Committee approved a city generative AI policy that sets principles, usage guidelines and compliance expectations for employees and contractors; Alderman Coggs recorded an abstention.
The City of Milwaukee Finance and Personnel Committee voted to adopt a generative artificial intelligence policy for city employees, contractors and authorized users during its meeting on an item introduced as file 241502. The resolution, sponsored by Alderman Scott Speicher, was approved after discussion of scope, training and compliance; Alderwoman Meleese (Melele) Coggs recorded an abstention.
The policy, developed by the Information Technology Management Division (ITMD) and recommended by the City Information Management Committee (CIMC), sets principles for responsible use of generative AI, including data handling, accuracy, transparency, equity and accountability. Mr. Henke of ITMD summarized the policy to the committee, saying AI “includes generative AI, which is AI that will generate output such as text, audio, images.” He said the policy aims to “promote the use of AI, but make sure that it’s responsible, ethical … and accountable.”
The adopted resolution pairs a formal policy with more flexible guidelines. The policy sets mandatory requirements; an accompanying guidelines document provides examples and operational detail that ITMD and CIMC can update more frequently as technology changes. ITMD told the committee the policy requires users to avoid submitting personal or confidential information to tools that retain inputs, to opt out where possible, and to cite generative AI when a substantial portion of a formal document derives from such systems.
Committee members pressed on training and implementation. Alderman Speicher asked how broadly the tools are expected to be used and whether the Department of Employee Relations (DER) had been consulted on training; ITMD responded that discussions with DER had begun and that training and communications would follow. Judy Seetman, ITMD security manager, emphasized that “if you’re using it in a document that you’re publishing, then yes” you should cite AI sources. Committee members repeatedly raised accuracy and bias concerns; ITMD and staff emphasized that users must fact-check AI-generated material.
The committee discussed approved platforms and procurement: ITMD said Microsoft Copilot was the only currently approved platform under existing approvals, but departments may request other platforms through the standard CIO approval and cloud procurement processes. The committee also heard that misuse could trigger personnel discipline under existing DER procedures; the policy references progressive discipline up to termination handled through DER.
Alderman Coggs asked about consequences for noncompliance; ITMD said violations may lead to disciplinary action, handled through DER under normal employment rules. Committee members asked for a clear rollout and communications plan to ensure employees know how to request approved accounts and access and how to apply the policy in day-to-day work.
The resolution passed “so ordered” by voice with an abstention recorded by Alderman Coggs. ITMD and CIMC will manage future updates to the guidelines and provide follow-up on training and rollout plans to the committee.
The committee also recorded that the policy was drafted with input from DER and that departments already experimenting with AI (for example, social media content drafting and call-center tools) should use the policy and guidelines to standardize safe use and procurement.
Looking ahead, ITMD said it will report back to the committee on implementation and usage trends so the city can adjust guidance as the technology evolves.
