Values Drive the Work of AI Groups in Washington, D.C.

Artificial intelligence groups in the nation’s capital are driven by its clearly-defined values, according to the district’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Stephen Miller.

This approach is part of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s strategic approach to AI implementation in D.C. In February 2024, she signed an executive orderthat defined six core AI values for the district and established a public AI Advisory Group and an internal AI Taskforce.

The mayor’s order defines the district’s AI values. These values were established to help guide the assessment and implementation of any proposed AI solutions, with the qualification that only those that align with all six values will be adopted.
Miller, who was named the district’s permanent CTO earlier this month, is a member of the district’s AI advisory group, as is the district’s CISO. Group members will serve it until Dec. 31, 2026.

Separately, Miller said that members of the district’s AI task force specialize in various areas of the technology’s application such as law, usability, and software development. Members of the task force help facilitate the work of the advisory group, and both teams work together to advance value-driven AI in the district.

The advisory group has already held two meetings this year, Miller said, to explore and discuss different AI tools. During these meetings, Miller said the focus was on education initiatives, and members got positive feedback to support the district’s rollout of these tools.

Through the process, which is value-driven, the district has already begun various implementations of AI-powered technologies.

For example, DC Compass is a generative AI-based tool Miller previously told Government Technology would make data more publicly accessible. An AI-powered career platform, Career Ready DC, aims to connect district residents with jobs. AI even plays a role in the district's work to help citizens connect with government services through various channels.