> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # A New Committee Will Spend a Year Weighing AI's Impact on City Life - URL: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/a-new-committee-will-spend-a-year-weighing-ais-impact-on-city-life/ - Published: 2026-11-11T19:15:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-11T19:22:10.000Z - Description: The new committee will examine city services, privacy, jobs and infrastructure, with recommendations targeted for November 2027. - Author: Micaela Ricaforte - Tags: City Hall, #herald-40cef165-d2ee-801c-ba5f-f59fab02d80c Riverside opened a yearlong review of artificial intelligence Thursday, Nov. 5, with residents urging caution about data centers and council members emphasizing that the effort will reach beyond those facilities to examine city services, privacy, jobs and utility costs. The first meeting of the [Artificial Intelligence Strategy and Policy Ad Hoc Committee](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/p/e0e86655-b75a-48b9-936d-d0d697b14906/) outlined a 13-month public inquiry intended to produce recommendations for the City Council by November 2027. Chair Steven Robillard said the goal is to prepare Riverside for changes in technology before facing decisions without a guiding policy. “Our goal is not simply to study AI, but to understand how Riverside can responsibly embrace it, whether that’s improving government efficiency, protecting our residents, supporting workforce development or attracting new investment and economic opportunities,” Robillard said. The three-member committee, which also includes Councilmembers Steve Hemenway and Philip Falcone, will hear from outside experts, study other cities’ experiences and gather public input. Its recommendations would go to the full council. Two speakers raised concerns about data centers during public comment, the committee to move carefully and consider long-term consequences. April Glatzel questioned the potential strain on Riverside’s resources, pointing to residents’ efforts to conserve water. She said she uses ChatGPT and appreciates technology but would accept less convenience rather than risk the city’s resources. “I’m not against progress. I’m against rushing into decisions without understanding the consequences,” Glatzel said. “Riverside is our home. It’s not an experiment.” Tinka Friend welcomed the committee’s formation while urging members to take their time. “I don’t know that everything will be decided in a year, but I just want you really, really to consider very carefully as everything is put before you and what the consequences will be,” Friend said. Robillard said no data center proposal was before the committee and stressed that its role is advisory. Chief Innovation Officer George Khalil also said he was unaware of a current project. The infrastructure review would examine electricity demand, water use, zoning, noise and the cost of expanding utility capacity. A central question, Khalil said, is who would pay for improvements needed to serve a large computing facility. “For example, if there is a project that requires a tremendous investment into building energy capacity,” he said, the committee would need to consider whether that expense would affect utility rates or be incorporated into the project. The proposed work plan includes examining computing loads of 20, 50 and more than 100 megawatts, along with ways to protect existing utility customers from subsidizing infrastructure for large facilities. Falcone reiterated his opposition to data centers while supporting the broader review. He said the committee should remain flexible as technology changes. Hemenway asked that the review capture both positive and negative social and economic impacts. The committee’s assignment extends to how residents interact with City Hall. Potential areas for review include multilingual translation, 311 assistance and help navigating permits, as well as tools employees use for drafting, research and routine work. Riverside has an [administrative AI policy](https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=16090681&GUID=09BD7117-EE04-4B0D-98A3-2B232E6C9C37&ref=raincrossgazette.com), effective in July 2024, requiring documented human review of AI-generated material and verification of factual statements against credible sources. It also requires disclosure of AI assistance and says residents should be informed when interacting with an AI tool and offered an available alternative. Khalil said protecting resident information and maintaining access to city employees remain priorities. The proposed schedule moves from city services and lessons from other municipalities to infrastructure and land use, followed by workforce development, economic opportunity, privacy, cybersecurity and vendor accountability. Robillard described a hearing format in which experts would offer testimony and answer committee questions. He said members want a range of perspectives beyond city staff. Although November 2027 is the target for recommendations, Robillard said the schedule could change and additional meetings might be needed. “Thirteen months is not an absolute hard deadline,” he said. “It is just kind of a guideline going forward.”