Indianapolis, IN – The Marion County Information Services Agency (ISA) and the City of Indianapolis are proud to announce a partnership with InnovateUS to provide training for city-county employees on artificial intelligence (AI) and responsible use. This online learning partnership will provide no-cost training for public sector employees on the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). By collaborating with InnovateUS, ISA can provide the foundational training critical to the success of its ‘AI in Indy’ initiative, which aims to support and promote the responsible adoption of AI within local government by prioritizing ethics and reinforcing human oversight in AI-driven systems.

While the free introductory GenAI training—covering roles, responsibilities, and risks specific to local government—is recommended for all City-County employees, completing this training along with an internally developed data classification course will be required to qualify for an M365 Copilot license.

"This partnership with InnovateUS establishes a strong foundation for our AI journey, equipping City-County employees with critical knowledge about AI, its potential, challenges, and ethical considerations," said Collin Hill, Chief Information Officer for the City of Indianapolis and Marion County and Director of ISA. "Beyond training, we're laying the groundwork for thoughtful AI integration in local government that prioritizes data protection, security, and responsible implementation to serve our community better."

Employees can also access the InnovateUS Innovation Skills Accelerator and Google Certificates for professional development.

"This AI training partnership is a key step in ensuring our employees are prepared to harness the power of AI while upholding the highest ethical and security standards for our residents," stated City-County Councilor Dan Boots, Chair of the AI Commission. “By equipping our workforce with
the tools and knowledge to navigate AI responsibly, we are fostering innovation while maintaining transparency and accountability in government operations.” 

As AI increasingly integrates with government operations, ISA, Indianapolis, and Marion County remain committed to equipping employees with the necessary knowledge and skills to use AI responsibly and effectively. In November 2023, the Information Technology Board approved a policy governing AI implementation in the City-County. A month later, the Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council created the AI Commission to review current AI practices, gather information, and make policy recommendations for responsible AI use within Indianapolis and Marion County government agencies.

“By building a strong foundation in AI, we are positioning our local government to leverage technology in support of our vision of becoming the smartest city in America and enhancing services for the community,” said Minority Leader and Councilor Michael-Paul Hart, Vice Chair of
the AI Commission.

For more information on the AI in Indy initiative, visit indy.gov/activity/ai-in-indy.

InnovateUS: InnovateUS delivers free online learning for public service professionals by public service professionals on data, digital, innovation, and AI skills with an emphasis on evidence-based, participatory, and collaborative approaches. InnovateUS is presented by a team at the Burnes
Center for Social Change at Northeastern University. To learn more, visit: https://innovate-us.org/.