Georgia’s moving ‘full speed ahead’ on AI

On this week’s Priorities podcast, Georgia Chief Information Officer Shawnzia Thomas says the state is moving fast to embrace artificial intelligence. The state is planning to host an AI summit next month in Atlanta and developing AI-use standards after the state’s technology board approved Gerogia’s first AI policy. Also on the podcast, Alaska CIO Bill Smith says his state is looking to mature its operations across the board. Later, Wyoming interim CIO Timothy Sheehan explains how his state is trying to think differently about procurement.

In the news this week:

The District of Columbia U.S. Attorney is dropping charges against Chistopher Rodriguez, the district’s chief technology officer, after he was arrested for domestic assault against his wife. Rodriguez was arrested at his home in D.C. on Nov. 2, according to a police report. In a statement, Rodriguez and his wife say a “family medical emergency created extreme stress and anxiety.” Rodriguez is on administrative leave.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are looking to bolster cyber workforce development and training with a total of $3 million in grants to two nonprofit organizations. The South Memphis Renewal Community Development Corporation and Per Scholas will receive $1.5 million each. The two organizations both offering cybersecurity education and training.

Washington, D.C., is distributing free Apple AirTags to drivers in selected police service areas in an effort to combat the rise in car thefts. Car thefts are up more than 100% since this time last year, according to D.C. police data. The program aims to help police locate and recover stolen vehicles and hold thieves accountable.

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