artificial-intelligence – Local Government Cybersecurity Alliance

Announcing the Local Government Officials Guide to Cybersecurity

We are thrilled to announce the official publication of a critical new resource: the Local Government Officials Guide to Cybersecurity (LGOGC)!

This project was developed by the Local Government Cybersecurity Alliance (LGCA) specifically to empower elected and appointed officials—from supervisors and council members to city managers and agency heads—to effectively navigate the increasingly complex world of cyber risk.

Moving Beyond the Technical Jargon

Cybersecurity is not just an IT department problem; it is an enterprise-wide, whole-of-government issue that impacts finance, legal compliance, emergency services, and public trust.

The LGOGC cuts through technical jargon to focus on what matters most to community leaders: governance, accountability, and resilience. This guide was truly built by and for local government professionals, ensuring every concept is practical and immediately relevant to your fiduciary duty to protect the systems that serve your communities.

LGOGC Cybersecurity Guide (October 2025)Download

What the Guide Will Help You Achieve

The LGOGC provides a clear, actionable framework to help local leaders translate responsibility into practical action. Inside, you’ll find guidance to:

Integrate cybersecurity into your strategic and budget planning.
Strengthen oversight and reporting mechanisms.
Align your efforts with nationally recognized frameworks, such as NIST CSF 2.0.
Build a culture of cyber resilience that spans all departments and elected offices.

Download and Share Your Feedback

We believe that making cybersecurity governance as natural and necessary as financial oversight is achievable in every county, city, town, village, and district. This guide is a huge step toward that goal.

Download the Local Government Officials Guide to Cybersecurity (LGOGC) now.

We invite your feedback! Tell us how your jurisdiction is addressing these challenges and what resources would be most valuable to you next in our community forum or white paper.

Governing AI: Ethical Use and Oversight in Local Government

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how local governments operate—from automating administrative tasks to enhancing public safety and improving service delivery. But as these technologies become more embedded in public systems, so too does the need for thoughtful governance.

AI offers tremendous promise, but it also raises important questions about fairness, accountability, transparency, and privacy. Without clear ethical guidelines and oversight, even well-intentioned AI applications can lead to unintended consequences, such as biased decision-making or erosion of public trust.

Why AI Governance Matters

AI systems often make decisions that affect people’s lives—whether approving permits, prioritizing maintenance, or analyzing public data. Local governments must ensure these systems are used responsibly and align with community values.

Good governance helps:

Prevent misuse or overreach.
Ensure transparency in how decisions are made.
Protect civil liberties and privacy.
Build public confidence in digital services.

Key Elements of an AI Governance Framework

1. Ethical Principles

Start with a clear set of guiding values—such as fairness, accountability, transparency, and respect for individual rights. These principles should inform every stage of AI development and deployment.

2. Oversight and Accountability

Establish internal oversight bodies or designate responsible officials to review AI projects. Oversight should include legal, technical, and community perspectives to ensure balanced decision-making.

3. Risk Assessment

Before deploying AI, assess potential risks—such as bias, data privacy concerns, or unintended consequences. Consider how the system might impact different populations and whether safeguards are in place.

4. Transparency and Explainability

Residents should understand how AI systems work and how decisions are made. Use plain language to explain what data is collected, how it’s used, and what rights individuals have.

5. Public Engagement

Involve the community in discussions about AI use. Public input can help shape policies, identify concerns, and ensure that technology serves the public interest.

6. Training and Capacity Building

Ensure staff and leadership understand AI capabilities and limitations. Provide training on ethical considerations, data stewardship, and responsible procurement.

Tools and Frameworks to Guide Implementation

Local governments can draw from established frameworks to guide their AI governance efforts, including:

NIST AI Risk Management Framework: Offers a structured approach to identifying and managing AI risks.
OECD AI Principles: Promote inclusive growth, human-centered values, and transparency.
State and local AI task forces: Some jurisdictions have developed their own guidelines tailored to municipal needs.

These resources can help governments build policies that are both practical and principled.

AI is not just a technical tool—it’s a governance issue. As local governments adopt AI to improve services and efficiency, they must also ensure that these technologies are used ethically and transparently. By establishing clear frameworks, engaging the public, and investing in oversight, municipalities can harness the benefits of AI while safeguarding public trust.