Welcome to the Prompting Lab: A Practice Space for Public Sector AI Use

This kick-off session launches the InnovateUS Prompting Lab, a new, hands-on learning space designed to support public professionals experimenting with and applying generative AI in real government contexts. Co-hosted by Davyd Smith, Director of Information Technology, Governor’s Office of Information Technology, State of Colorado; Jorge Valens, Innovation Manager, Miami-Dade County IT; and Harrison McRae, Director of Emerging Technologies, Office of Administration, State of Pennsylvania, the session brings together public-sector leaders who are actively navigating the opportunities and constraints of using generative AI in government.

Drawing from their own practice, the co-hosts will reflect on why a space like the Prompting Lab is needed now, what gaps they see in existing training, where public professionals are encountering challenges, and why peer-to-peer, practice-based learning is essential at this moment. Participants will learn the purpose, structure, and learning approach of the Lab, how sessions are shaped by real public-sector needs, and how the series supports ongoing experimentation, shared learning, and responsible use of generative AI in government.