LAFCO executive officer urges AI policy and staff training; staff to attend CALAFCO workshop

Executive officer Blair used the April meeting to call attention to the agency's growing operational exposure from staff use of third-party artificial-intelligence tools and proposed three coordinated steps to manage the risk: adopt a clear AI policy, provide short practical training for staff, and pursue a controlled or approved AI environment for agency work.

Blair told commissioners that many widely available AI tools are cloud-based and collect or retain data outside agency control. Without explicit guidance, staff could inadvertently enter confidential or non-public information into third-party systems, creating exposure related to privacy, public records and legal defensibility, he said. To address the risk, Blair recommended (1) an AI policy that defines what information may and may not be entered into AI tools and clarifies that LAFCO does not control external platforms; (2) short, practical staff training so users understand boundaries and due diligence; and (3) where feasible, development of a controlled AI environment that aligns with public-agency data protections.

Blair described the steps as protective, not restrictive, and framed them as preserving agency control over data while allowing responsible innovation. Separately, staff noted they will close the office for a few days so several team members may attend a CALAFCO workshop in Pismo Beach in May for professional development. Blair also thanked departing commissioners (named in the meeting as Ione and Fowler) for their service and reminded all commissioners about Form 700 filings.

Provenance: Executive officer remarks and announcements (timeline SEG 1432'SEG 1531).