TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Ryan J. Alsop, County Executive Officer
REPORT BY: Meg Ragan, Digital Innovation Officer, and Greg Bown, Interim Chief Technology Officer
SUBJECT: Napa County Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy
RECOMMENDATION
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Adopt a Resolution approving the Napa County Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, which provides a framework for the legal, ethical, and responsible use of AI by County departments, employees, contractors, and vendors. (No Fiscal Impact)
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BACKGROUND
AI technologies, including Generative AI (GenAI), present both opportunities and risks to government operations. The proposed policy ensures the County upholds its commitment to ethical governance, privacy protection, and cybersecurity while integrating new technology. This policy outlines permitted uses, restrictions, privacy considerations, and oversight responsibilities. The attached AI Policy references the “Acceptable Use Policy,” which is currently referred to as the “Information Technology Use & Security Policy.”
Discussion:
• Policy Overview: Countywide Applicability for Staff, Vendors, and Contractors
• Establishes Guardrails for Security, Ethical, and Legal AI Use
• Safeguards Public Trust and County Reputation
• Supports Innovation with Accountability
• Roles and responsibilities of ITS, Departments, and County Counsel
• Next Steps: Audits, establish digital governance committee, and bi-annual policy review
Requested Actions:
1. Receive a presentation on Napa County AI Policy and Procedures, and
2. Adopt a Resolution approving the Napa County Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy
Procedural Requirements:
1. Staff Report.
2. Public Comment.
3. Motion, second, discussion and vote on item.
FISCAL & STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
No |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
This policy is discretionary as it is not required by federal or state mandate; however, it is necessary to mitigate legal, operational, and reputational risks associated with unregulated AI use. |
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Future fiscal impact: |
Possible minimal administrative costs for training and monitoring, which are expected to be absorbed within existing departmental budgets. |
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Consequences if not approved: |
Without a clear AI policy, departments may engage in inconsistent or risky use of AI tools, exposing the County to cybersecurity threats, privacy violations, legal liability, and reputational harm. |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.