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Panelists tell local government: hire AI-capable staff and people with entrepreneur experience
Summary
When asked by a local government official what talent municipal staffs should recruit, panelists recommended AI literacy and staff with lived entrepreneurial experience to help governments support local innovation and avoid widening the digital divide.
A local government attendee asked what types of talent municipal staffs should recruit to support Midwest growth. Panelists recommended AI literacy, technology expertise and lived experience as entrepreneurs or small-business operators to bridge the gap between local government practice and operational realities.
"We're in a Goldilocks period right now where if people who are learning that tool to the best of their ability will be able to pass their peers," Brian Bracken said, urging officials to prioritize AI training. Shannon McGee added that lived experience as a business owner helps staff understand how to support entrepreneurs in practice.
Panelists warned that without training and inclusive access, AI could widen the digital divide. They recommended hiring staff who combine technical skills (AI) with hands-on business experience and said that local governments should prepare talent pipelines that emphasize both technology and operational understanding.
