RCLLG October Newsletter

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Newsletter Content:

1. Annual Dinner & Program Registration Open

2. AI Series (Part 2) Summary & Recording

3. Program Recaps

Registration is Now Open

RCLLG Annual Dinner & Program

December, 12th, 5:00-8:00 PM

Shoreview Community Center

Save your seat for the RCLLG Annual Dinner & Program event, to be held on Thursday, December 12 at the Shoreview Community Center!

Enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a presentation from Shannon Watson on "What's Next? How to Lead Communities Forward After a Divisive Election Season." Shannon is the Founder and Executive Director of Majority in the Middle. Learn more about Shannon by clicking below.

Artificial Intelligence Series (Part 2)

Program Recap

P.S. Check out the AI-generated program summary!

On Friday, October 11th, Dr. Alan Shark presented Part 2 of the Artificial Intelligence Series. Part 2 focused on ethics, bias, and challenges. Alan emphasized the importance of transparency, responsibility, and trustworthiness, as well as addressed ongoing issues including copyright concerns and the need for fairness and accountability.

Key AI Concepts Discussed

Alan discussed artificial, augmented, and generative AI, as well as the importance of effective prompts and trying different AI agents for better outcomes. He clarified that AI systems lack memory of previous prompts and outputs.

Ethics and Biases in AI Systems

Conscious and unconscious biases can both be harmful. Alan highlighted how AI can perpetuate societal biases, leading to unfair outcomes. He advocated for fairness and accountability, including penalties for vendors who fail to meet standards. Trust of AI is key, especially for the public sector.

Policy and Copyright Challenges

The debate is unresolved regarding who has rights to AI-created content, such as writing and artwork pieces, and there are ongoing challenges surrounding training AI on copyrighted content. Alan stressed the need for policies at local and federal levels to manage privacy, fairness, and bias, suggesting “AI light” initiatives for local governments to start addressing AI-related issues

Dr. Shark concluded with a story about a voice-activated elevator that failed to recognize a Scottish accent, illustrating the real-world difficulties of AI.

Looking to Register for the AI Series?

The program will be split into a three-part series, comprising of:

PART ONE: Friday, September 13, 8:00 - 9:00 AM

RECAP PART 1

PART TWO: Friday, October 11, 8:00 - 9:00 AM

RECAP PART 2 ABOVE

PART THREE: Friday, November 8, 8:00 - 9:00 AM

Resources for RCLLG Members

2024 RCLLG Directory



Find contact information for members and state legislators, read handy information about RCLLG, and more. Visit our website to view this directory.

Add your resources here! Do you have an event or other resource applicable to RCLLG members? Contact RCLLG@fusionLP.org to showcase your event or resource.

2024 Program Recaps

As we look towards our next program, we want to provide you with a lookback on our most recent programs.

January: On January 12^th, we held our annual Legislative Updates & Priorities program. We were fortunate to hear insights and policy priorities from Senator Tou Xiong, Representative Peter Fischer, Representative Mary Frances Clardy, Representative María Isa Pérez-Vega, Senator Heather Gustafson, and Representative Dave Pinto.

February: On February 9th, we heard about various climate action opportunities and initiatives. We welcomed Abi Phillips, Ramsey County Climate & Health Planner; John Doan, Shoreview Council Member and RCLLG Treasurer; and Peter Lindstrom, Metropolitan Council Member.

March: On March 8th, we heard about a “hot’ issue: cannabis legislation. We heard from two guests: Alex Hassel, Intergovernmental Relations Representative at the League of Minnesota Cities, and Jolie Wood, Planning Manager at Ramsey County.

April: On April 12th, we heard from two Recycling & Energy representatives on waste management in the Ramsey County East Metro and the new Food Scraps Pickup Program.

May: On May 10th, we hosted representatives from each of the Ramsey County watershed organizations to speak on their priorities and governance of watersheds.

June: On June 14th, we heard high-level outcomes from this year’s legislative session. Thank you to our presenters, Melissa Finnegan, Ramsey County; Denise Dittrich and Kim Lewis, Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA); and Nathan Jesson, League of Minnesota Cities.

July: A great time was had at the member social on July 24th at the new venue "Smash Park" in Roseville.

August: Members socialized in Shoreview on August 9th, enjoying a summer picnic dinner, games, and a tour of the Shoreview Community Center.

September: On September 13th, Part 1 of the AI series kicked off. Dr. Alan Shark presented on the core concepts of AI technology and its various applications within the public sector.

Check out past program recordings and notes here

If you have any questions about RCLLG, your membership, or news listed above, please email RCLLG@fusionLP.org.

Ramsey County League of Local Governments | www.fusionLP.org/rcllg