JANUARY 2024

In this newsletter:

AI In Local Government
Connect PBC App
First Mortgage Loan Assistance Program
Honoring the Legacy Of Martin Luther King Jr.
AI Outlook
Gregg In The News
Commish In The Community
Elections 2024

AI In Local Government

As a retired computer executive serving as your county commissioner, I’m fascinated by what is going on in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It is a rapidly growing field that has the potential to revolutionize the way local governments operate. AI can help local governments make data-driven decisions, improve efficiency, and enhance public services.

One of the most promising applications of AI is predictive analytics. By analyzing large amounts of data, AI can help us predict future trends and identify areas that need improvement. For example, AI can be used to predict which roads are most likely to need repairs, which neighborhoods are most likely to experience crime, and which areas are most vulnerable to natural disasters. This information can help us assign resources more effectively and improve public safety. It can also improve the flow of traffic by having smart traffic signals, thereby reducing travel time, frustration and environmental impacts of driving. It’s something our engineering department is starting a pilot with.

Another application of AI in local government is chatbots. Chatbots are computer programs that can simulate human conversation. They can be used to answer frequently asked questions, provide information about local services, and even help residents pay their bills. This can help save time and money by automating routine tasks and freeing up staff to focus on more complex issues. AI technology can also reduce the time spent on filling out forms, and it can help identify people’s eligibility for programs and resources.

However, there are also concerns about the use of AI in local government. One concern is that AI could reinforce existing biases and inequalities. For example, if AI is used to predict which neighborhoods are most likely to experience crime, it could inadvertently reinforce stereotypes and lead to discriminatory policing practices. Another concern is that AI could be used to replace human workers, leading to job losses and economic disruption. To address these concerns, it’s important for local governments to develop clear policies and guidelines for the use of AI. These policies should include guidelines for data privacy, transparency, and accountability. Local governments should also work to ensure that AI is used in a way that is fair and equitable, and that it benefits all members of the community.

In short, AI has the potential to transform local government in many positive ways. But it’s important to approach the use of AI with caution, and to develop clear policies and guidelines to ensure that it is used in a way that is ethical, transparent, and beneficial to all members of the community. As your county commissioner I will be pushing for the responsible deployment of AI. It’s my belief that we are in the early stages of an age where AI will revolutionize government.

To keep you informed about what’s going on in this field we’ve created a new section in our newsletter called AI Outlook. You can read about what’s going on in the field of AI, get practical tips on how you can use it, and we’ll list events that you can attend. I hope you’ll enjoy reading our updates.

Yours in service,

Gregg K. Weiss

Connect PBC App

Palm Beach County is pleased to announce a new app to engage with citizens. Connect PBC is a convenient, user-friendly tool that provides access to the latest county news and information. Users can customize their news feed to their area and set up alerts to be notified as new information becomes available.

With Connect PBC, the capability to know more about county government, local happenings, and even the option to open a service request is at your fingertips. Reporting potholes, overgrown weeds, malfunctioning traffic lights, and other issues is easy. Users will receive real-time updates and alerts when the issue is resolved.

The app lets users find out who their district commissioner is and how to contact their office. Users can also provide feedback to county staff and officials.

Search for Connect PBC on Google Play or the App Store.

First Mortgage Loan Assistance Program

Palm Beach County’s Department of Housing and Economic Development (HED) announces the availability of State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) First Mortgage Loan Assistance Program funds.

Funding will provide first mortgage loan assistance, at a 4% fixed interest rate, to assist income eligible applicants/households. The maximum loan amount is based upon established affordability guidelines and creditworthiness, based upon established underwriting guidelines. Approved homebuyers will be required to contribute a minimum of 3.5% of the purchase price. The purchase price cannot exceed $450,000. NOTE: Applicants CANNOT own a home at the time of closing on a property to be purchased through this program.

The application portal will open on Monday, February 5, 2024 at 8:00am, and close on Monday, February 26, 2024 at 11:59pm (or until 50 applications have been submitted).

For additional information, please contact:

Mortgage and Housing Investments Division at (561)233-3600

Antoinette Prescott at (561)233-3606 or via email at HEDverify@pbcgov.org

For program information, required documents, and to apply online visit:

https://pbcgov.com/HED

Honoring The Legacy Of Martin Luther King Jr.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Coordinating Committee of Palm Beach County will be holding its 43rd Annual Scholarship Breakfast on January 15 in the Palm Beach County Convention Center. The theme this year, "Embrace Love, Peace and Justice," encompasses the spirit and teachings of Dr. King himself.

For the past 18 years, Gregg has been honored to work alongside the Coordinating Committee in pursuit of greater justice, understanding and opportunity in our community. The Committee’s annual breakfast has become an important Palm Beach County tradition highlighting local students and bringing our citizens together.

Scholarship and mentorship provide paths forward for talented young people, and events like this breakfast sow seeds of hope for the future. By celebrating Dr. King's message of nonviolence and unity, we are reminded that brave, compassionate leaders can indeed change the world.

Learn more about the event, how you can buy tickets, or make a donation that will provide scholarships for deserving students: Click Here.

AI Insights

Harnessing AI to Transform Health & Human Services

Watch a short video of Commissioner Weiss's opening remarks.

Palm Beach County Community Services Department hosted a presentation with Deloitte leaders to understand the key applications and benefits of AI in health and human services. The conversation was created to gain insights into the practical implementation of AI technologies in call centers, application processing, case management, and client life skills while exploring strategies to overcome challenges when integrating AI.

AI You Can Use

When the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) comes up, ChatGPT is often part of the conversation. ChatGPT can solve math problems, generate recipes, and create content in multiple languages. It can even give you relationship advice! ChatGPT is like having a conversation with someone—except it’s an AI language model doing the talking. To get started using ChatGPT, SIGN UP HERE. Then watch this tutorial:

This is a video about CHATGPT. It goes over the basics of ChatGPT.

AI Calendar

Conference registration register here

Free for students from any school with student ID card, conference speakers, and FAU faculty.

Information on sponsorship opportunities

View the conference schedule

Note: Not all the events listed below are open to the public

1/23/24 – 1/28/24: Gregg in Silicon Valley for AI Exploratory Committee meetings

2/1/24 – 2/2/24: MindFest (Link to conference registration is above)

2/23/24 @ 7:00 PM: Gregg will make an AI presentation at the Bellagio Community. Bellagio residents can contact Howard Barich for more information.

3/7/24 @ 1:30 PM: Gregg will make a presentation at the Century Village Clubhouse. Century Village residents can contact John Hess for more information.

3/25/24 @ 4:00 PM: AI forum – The Club at Ibis. Ibis residents can contact Judy Budnick for more information.

If you would like to invite Gregg to give a presentation on Artificial Intelligence in your community, please contact our office at: district2@pbc.gov or 561-355-2202

Palm Beach Post:

What are 'smart traffic lights' and why are they coming to Palm Beach County?

Coast Guard reduces openings for Royal Park, Southern Boulevard bridges.

The Town-Crier:

20-Mile Bend Racetrack Plan Gains Traction With County

The New York Post:

America is running out of home-owners insurance

Boca Magazine:

Community Spirit and USF's Victory Light Up the Night at the Boca Raton Bowl

Commish In The Community

Celebrations, anniversaries, meeting with agencies, advocating for health causes, recognizing community leaders, joining neighbors' festivities and going to neighborhood meetings. Commissioner Weiss spends a lot of time in the community.

"As an elected official, I want to be part of the community I represent," said Commissioner Weiss. "I want to understand the issues in my district, and that's why I spend many evenings attending events to listen and learn."

If you'd like to invite Commissioner Weiss to your event, let us know.

Three Wise Men hosted by Fiesta De Pueblo

On Saturday January 6, Gregg and his wife Rebecca were among the several thousands of visitors who celebrated Three Kings Day (Reyes) at the Fiesta Del Pueblo & Business Expo in Sam Ferrer Park in Greenacres. Despite the rain, it was a fun-filled day with Hispanic music, food art, and commerce.

Honoring the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens for Inspiring Conservation

To kick off the Conservation Conversation speaker series, Benji Studt, county scientist and photographer gave an eye-opening talk titled, Love Letters to Palm Beach County. He presented a visual overview of Palm Beach County’s environmental areas, wildlife, and ecosystems. Following Benji’s talk, Gregg presented the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens Chairwoman, Frances Fisher, with a proclamation for the Gardens’ work in inspiring conservation and biodiversity. The next event in the Conservation Conversation series will be held on the first Thursday of February @ 6PM.

HCA Florida JFK North Hospital Visit

Before the Christmas break Gregg and Virginia visited HCA Florida JFK North Hospital and met with CEO Ashley Vertuno and her team. The JFK North Hospital is an important part of our hospital network, providing vital services including running an addiction stabilization unit. For more information press here.

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