Delaware officials launch statewide AI committee in Milford

Delaware government officials, technology professionals and first responders gathered in Milford for the first meeting of the new Government Artificial Intelligence, Technology & Ethics (G.A.T.E.) Committee. (Photo courtesy of City of Milford.)

Government officials, technology professionals and first responders from across Delaware recently gathered in Milford for the inaugural meeting of a new statewide committee focused on the use of artificial intelligence in government.

The Government Artificial Intelligence, Technology & Ethics (G.A.T.E.) Committee was launched as a collaborative effort to help municipalities, counties, public agencies and emergency services organizations explore the responsible adoption of AI technologies. According to organizers, 29 participants attended the first meeting.

The initiative was originally spearheaded by the City of Milford’s Information Technology Department and will serve as a statewide forum for discussing AI governance, policy development, security considerations and practical applications for government operations.

Milford City Manager Christopher Coleman said artificial intelligence should be viewed as a tool that assists employees rather than replaces them.

“AI is not here to replace our talented employees, it’s here to support them,” Coleman said. “Humans must always have the final say in reports, decisions, and public-facing projects.”

Milford IT Director Bill Pettigrew, who co-founded the committee, led discussions on AI governance and implementation strategies. The meeting also included demonstrations of Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot, along with presentations on prompt engineering and policy development.

Representatives from technology company SHI demonstrated several potential government applications for AI. Henry Bhaluani showed how Google Gemini can generate step-by-step instructions tailored to municipal needs, while Josh Newton discussed prompt-engineering resources and government pricing options available through Google.

Nicolas Jones presented information on Microsoft Copilot, outlining differences between consumer and Microsoft 365 versions of the platform and discussing potential uses within government agencies.

Participants also shared their own experiences using AI tools and discussed opportunities for collaboration and resource sharing among local governments.

Organizations represented at the meeting included the City of Milford, City of Dover, Sussex County, Kent County, New Castle County, Town of Bethany Beach, City of Rehoboth Beach, Town of Bridgeville, Town of Millsboro, Town of Townsend, Village of Arden, Town of Greenwood, Carlisle Fire Company, Lewes Board of Public Works and the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation, along with private-sector partners.

The committee is scheduled to meet virtually again on July 14. Organizers said the next session will include a presentation from New Castle County officials on the use of an AI-powered Webex system for call centers and help desks.