Cary adopts data governance strategy and artificial intelligence policy to guide municipal use

The Cary Town Council unanimously adopted two new policies on Oct. 23 intended to shape how the town manages data and uses artificial intelligence.

CIO Nicole Coughlin told the council the proposals — Policy 188 (Data Governance Strategy) and Policy 189 (Artificial Intelligence) — emphasize people‑centered values, security and an iterative approach. “Data and AI is not about technology. It’s about people,” Coughlin said, adding the policies prioritize privacy, fairness, transparency and workforce empowerment.

Policy 188 establishes a framework to inventory and govern the town’s data assets and identify stewards across departments. Policy 189 sets guiding principles for municipal AI use, including human‑centered design, safety and accountability, and requires staff to evaluate potential algorithmic bias and privacy risks before deploying systems.

If adopted, next steps include updating the town website and internal procedures, forming an interdepartmental data governance and AI committee, and running pilot projects and staff training. Councilmembers praised the approach as pragmatic and adaptable to rapidly evolving technology. Council Member Robinson called the committee structure a key strength, saying cross‑departmental work “fosters communication” and can accelerate responsible use.

Council Member Bush formally moved to adopt both policies; the motion passed unanimously. Coughlin said staff will return with periodic updates and offered to bring committee findings back to the council on a schedule the council requests.

The policies do not create an immediate operational rollout; instead, staff will follow the adopted governance framework to prioritize pilot projects, vendor evaluations and training, while continuing to coordinate with the town’s information security office on risk controls.