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Auburn council adopts AI acceptable-use policy, urges technical support for implementation
Summary
The Auburn City Council voted March 23 to adopt an artificial-intelligence acceptable-use policy, with members saying the document must remain a "living" policy and staff should have access to outside technical expertise to implement data-governance decisions.
The Auburn City Council voted to adopt an artificial-intelligence acceptable-use policy on March 23 after a council member urged the document be treated as a "living" policy and the city secure outside technical expertise to support the city manager.
Council member (unnamed) who pulled the item said, "AI is changing incredibly rapidly, and trying to get your arms around it with a policy is a little bit challenging as well," and called for technology resources so the city manager "has what he needs to be able to make those kinds of decisions." The member added, "we're probably going to be updating it and making sure we get resources" to support implementation.
City staff and other council members agreed the policy addresses immediate governance needs but stressed it cannot be static. A council member who spoke in support noted that the charter language in the draft delegates several approvals to the city manager and said staff should be able to consult IT consultants or other experts to keep the policy current.
Mayor Kelly Davis seconded the motion to approve. The clerk called the roll; the vote record in the transcript shows all five council members voting in favor: Council member Amara (yes), Don Calvio (aye), Holmes (aye), Bridal Harris (aye) and Mayor Kelly Davis (aye). The motion carried.
Why it matters: Council members framed the vote as a forward-looking administrative action that establishes citywide rules for use of AI tools while preserving the option to update the policy as technology evolves. The council did not adopt additional funding in this session to pay for outside technical expertise; members directed staff to incorporate mechanisms to obtain advice as needed.
Next steps: The policy authorizes administrative approvals assigned to the city manager and envisions periodic updates; staff will return with any necessary implementing procedures or requests for consultant support if the city manager determines outside expertise is required.
