City lays out phased AI certification plan emphasizing employer validation and supports

City staff described a multi‑phase plan to develop an AI certification and training pathway tied to verified employer demand.

The staff presentation laid out seven phases: initial market validation with employers; curriculum and provider assessment; employer‑linked internships and on‑the‑job training; wraparound supports (childcare, transportation, bilingual instruction); financial analysis; metrics and accountability; and a pilot implementation stage. Staff said the research and validation phases could take approximately six to nine months. "Fase 1 es asegurarte de que todo esté en este proceso para diseñar y trabajar con ellos," staff said, describing the effort to validate employer needs before launching widespread training.

Councilmembers broadly supported the goal but pressed staff on timing, the possible need for an external consultant (staff estimated a consultant cost in the range of $30,000–$50,000 if used) and how to address worker displacement. Councilmember Meza González noted that some workers and creative professionals have already experienced job losses due to AI and asked how the program would ensure economic outcomes for trainees. Staff replied the program would focus on employer‑validated occupations and employer commitments to hire graduates as part of the pilot design.

Members also recommended stronger coordination with regional education partners including UTSA and Alamo Colleges and with apprenticeship and sector partners to ensure credentials lead to placements. Staff said the pilot recommendation would be tied to employers willing to host internships or hire certified graduates, and that wraparound support would be built into the pilot design to reduce participation barriers.

The committee did not take formal action on the proposal; staff said they will return with research findings and a recommended pilot plan for committee review.