Artificial intelligence is already changing how people work and businesses operate.
Now, Riverside leaders want to determine how the city can benefit from the technology while guarding against risks to privacy, cybersecurity and human accountability.
The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to create a temporary three-member working group charged with developing a citywide artificial intelligence strategy.
Councilmembers Steven Robillard, Philip Falcone and Steve Hemenway will serve on the panel and return to the full council with policy recommendations and a proposed strategic framework within 13 months.
"The reason I wanted to call this together is artificial intelligence is going to change the way we work, the way businesses operate and the way cities provide services," Robillard said. "I don't think Riverside should wait for those changes to happen to us. I think we should be intentional about how we prepare for them."
The group's work will extend beyond how city employees use AI. It will examine how the technology could affect Riverside's workforce, educational institutions, businesses and local economy, along with the infrastructure needed to support it.
Other areas of focus include ethical and transparent use of AI across city departments, cybersecurity, protection of resident data and the land, electricity and water demands associated with data centers.
"My goal is not to start from a predetermined position that AI is either good or bad," Robillard said. "The goal is to bring in experts, ask difficult questions, learn from what other cities and institutions are doing, and develop a Riverside-specific strategy."
Chief Innovation Officer George Khalil described AI as a transformative technology comparable to the steam engine, electricity and flight, saying it could change how society functions for the next hundred years.
City officials said the technology presents opportunities to improve services, streamline city operations and support data-driven decision-making. At the same time, its use raises questions about transparency, ethics, cybersecurity and privacy.
The city has already begun experimenting with AI tools. Last year, Riverside launched Rivy, a chatbot on the city's website designed to help residents find information and navigate city services.
The working group will hold public meetings subject to the Brown Act and the city's Sunshine Ordinance. Robillard said the goal is for the group to meet about once a month, although its schedule will need to account for the availability of its members.
Robillard said he recommended Falcone and Hemenway because the three members bring different perspectives on AI, helping prevent the group's work from being dominated by one viewpoint.
Falcone, who has been leading a separate City Council discussion involving data centers, said the two issues are closely connected. Although he is generally hesitant to create additional committees, Falcone said the scope of AI warrants a dedicated group.
"I need another committee assignment like I need a hole in the head, but that's okay," Falcone said. "It's for a good cause."
Public speakers generally supported the proposal while urging the city to seek broad input and establish safeguards around the technology.
Nick Adcock, president and CEO of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, encouraged the working group to involve stakeholders from business, education and other sectors.
"AI is truly found to be a transformative tool," Adcock said, adding that its impact on communities, industry and academia creates an opportunity for a broader conversation.
Caller Adrian Aros said he supports AI but urged the city to ensure employees independently research AI-generated material and avoid copying others' work. He told the council that responsible use of the technology must remain a priority even when mistakes are unintentional.
The working group will automatically dissolve after submitting its final report.
