Salt Lake City and InnovateUS are proud to announce an official partnership to provide training for city 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).
This training will supplement the GenAI policies the city has already enacted, which “recognizes the opportunity for a controlled and responsible approach [of AI] that acknowledges the benefits to efficiency while minimizing the risks around AI bias, privacy, and cybersecurity.”
“Salt Lake City is proud to partner with InnovateUS to bring the Responsible AI for Public Professionals training to our workforce,” said Aaron Bentley, Chief Information Officer for Salt Lake City. As we explore the potential of artificial intelligence in government, it is essential that our employees are equipped with the knowledge and tools to apply these technologies ethically and responsibly. This training reinforces our commitment to data privacy, transparency, and keeping humans at the center of decision-making—principles that are foundational to public trust. With employees representing four generations, we value learning opportunities that are inclusive, flexible, and approachable. This self-paced, non-technical training ensures that everyone—regardless of background or role—can build confidence and competence in understanding responsible AI.”
In May 2025, Salt Lake City conducted a Generative AI survey among city employees to help leadership understand how staff use generative AI, what support is needed, and the concerns that need to be addressed. The results of Salt Lake City’s Generative AI Employee Survey underscore both the potential and the urgency of building AI literacy among public professionals.
Of the 798 employees surveyed, nearly half reported using generative AI tools like ChatGPT or Grammarly in their daily or occasional work, while the other half had tried them only a few times—or not at all. Despite this growing exposure, 71% of respondents said they have received no formal training on the use of AI in the workplace.
When asked what kind of training they were most interested in, almost half (47%) of employees expressed a preference for practical, hands-on instruction—focused on integrating generative AI into their workflows, improving tool proficiency, and managing data responsibly. Another 26% wanted a foundational understanding of AI, such as prompt engineering and basic concepts, while 13% indicated interest in advanced techniques like fine-tuning and ethical implementation.
These findings reflect both enthusiasm for AI adoption and a clear need for structured, responsible learning opportunities across city departments. Many employees also raised concerns about accuracy, data privacy, and fairness: nearly 60% worried about potential errors in AI-generated content, and more than half cited concerns about how sensitive data is handled.
With this partnership, employees will have access to the Responsible AI for Public Professionals course series. This series, which consists of the Using GenAI in Government and Understanding Risks and Building Resilience courses, showcases the practical ways public professionals can use GenAI. The courses also address the risks associated with these powerful tools, such as data privacy, hallucinations, and bias and how to mitigate them.
Learn more about Salt Lake City’s Office of Information Management Services here.
