(WASHINGTON, DC) – The Washington, DC Artificial Intelligence Task Force of the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) was awarded the inaugural AI 50 Award from the Center for Public Sector AI. This year’s AI 50 are trailblazers turning smart ideas into real results across state and local government. The AI 50, a new recognition program from the Center for Public Sector AI, highlights individuals and organizations making significant contributions to AI adoption and advancement in public sector agencies.
“We’re honored to be recognized as an inaugural AI 50 Award recipient,” said Stephen N. Miller, Chief Technology Officer for Washington, DC. “This recognition speaks to the leadership and dedication of our Artificial Intelligence Task Force, which was created to ensure that AI is introduced into government responsibly, ethically, and with the safety and trust of our residents in mind. We’re focused on using AI not just to modernize systems, but to improve lives—through thoughtful, transparent, and people-centered solutions. I’m proud of the work our team is doing to shape a future where innovation and public service go hand in hand.”
The Washington, DC Artificial Intelligence Task Force was nominated as a standout candidate for the AI 50 honors due to its pioneering, ethical, and resident-focused approach to AI implementation in government. Out of a competitive field of nominees, the District’s AI Task Force stood out for making an actual difference with live AI projects. The three AI projects underway in the District include:
- Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System (CCWIS) Case Operations Resource Assistant (CORA): an AI-powered chatbot that provides immediate answers to staff questions about policies, procedures, and system functionality when staff are managing a case.
- DC Compass: An AI chatbot designed to help residents navigate the city’s open data, making information more accessible and user-friendly.
- Rent Registry: The AI component of which is being used to automate the first stage of the deed review process (basic document intelligence, like confirming completeness) for the rent registry.
“AI has the potential to positively redefine effective and efficient government,” said Dustin Haisler, President of e.Republic and Co-Lead of CPSAI. “This program recognizes those in the trenches shaping the market—and most importantly, the use cases and insights others can learn from.”
Mayor’s Order 2024-028: Articulating DC’s Artificial Intelligence Values and Establishing Artificial Intelligence Strategic Benchmarks established the AI Task Force within in the Executive Branch of the Government of the District of Columbia. The purpose of the AI Taskforce is to provide deep AI strategy and governance expertise and support to the Mayor and agency leadership, and to coordinate agency efforts to meet the AI Strategic Benchmarks.
The AI Taskforce comprises five members, all of whom are District government employees, one each with expertise in:
- AI and technology law: Todd Smith, General Counsel, OCTO
- AI and technology enablement: Henry Lofton, Deputy Chief Technology Officer, OCTO
- AI and data science: Matthew Sokol, Chief Data Officer, OCTO
- AI and software development: Stephen N. Miller, Chief Technology Officer, OCTO
- AI and cybersecurity: Suneel Cherukuri, Chief Information Security Officer, OCTO
To learn more about the AI Task Force and read approved Values Alignment Reports for the AI live projects above, please visit techplan.dc.gov/page/dcs-ai-values-and-strategic-plan.
Contact:
Laura-Celine Patrick (OCTO) – (202) 913-3525; [email protected]