Pepperdine University’s Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership hosted an immersive, two-day Applied AI in Local Government: Practical Skills for
Public Sector Leaders workshop on July 28–29 at Pepperdine’s Drescher Graduate Campus
in Malibu.
Through this workshop, local government professionals were trained to responsibly
integrate AI into everyday public-sector operations. Through intensive lab sessions
and guest panels, participants built confidence with leading AI platforms such as
Claude, Google Gemini, and ChatGPT—and each left having learned the tools that can
be used across all platforms that can be implemented with the platform their agency
chooses to use.
Peter Pirnejad offering opening remarks
Peter Pirnejad, ICMA-CM, executive director of the Davenport Institute, hosted the
workshop alongside two industry experts: Jonathan Reichental, founder of Human Future,
a global business and technology advisory, investment, and education firm; and Chris
Shepard, communications officer for the City of Folsom and founder of Herding Labs,
an independent studio creating consumer iOS apps that put AI to practical use.
“AI is expanding what is possible in public service, from deeper research and better
decision-making to greater efficiency and responsiveness, but it also raises new questions
around trust, transparency, ethics, and security,” Pirnejad said. “Now more than ever,
we need to equip local government leaders to use AI responsibly and effectively so
they can meet rising service demands while protecting the public trust.”
Over the course of two days, attendees were guided through real local government examples,
including how AI can help organize council materials, draft first versions of staff
reports and presentations, support data analysis, improve public-facing communications,
and create more efficient workflows for city staff.
To close the program, the workshop’s hosts discussed industry insights on the future
of AI and shared best practices for responsibly adopting emerging technologies, so
these public sector leaders are best prepared to serve their constituents well. In
addition to methods they could repeat on Monday morning, attendees left with a network
of peers navigating the same transition, and the judgment to know what still requires
a human being’s presence.
Josh Boudreaux, human resources director for the city of Lynwood, expressed that the
two-day workshop provided valuable insight into cutting-edge AI practices. As the
leader responsible for meeting the personnel needs of the city’s departments, Boudreaux
said he especially valued the dedicated time to build customized AI tools designed
to align with the unique requirements and regulatory framework of California local
government. Furthermore, he expressed that the workshop served as valuable intel for
an upcoming public address he will deliver about the intersection of AI and employment
relations.
The workshop convened at the Drescher Graduate Campus in Malibu
“Though I am familiar with AI platforms, I wanted to ensure that my understanding
of the compliance piece was sound. I also wanted to gauge what level our colleagues
across the nation are at regarding AI usage,” Boudreaux said. “The program successfully
provided this information.”
Boudreaux’s colleague in the city of Lynwood, Shanell Shipe, assistant to the city
manager, agreed with his overall sentiments. She further shared appreciation that
the workshop equipped her with knowledge and practical tools that she could immediately
put to work.
“I came to this workshop to learn how I could use AI to have a more productive day,
and take what I learn back to my team,” Shipe said. “I’ve been saying this over and
over again, but the custom ChatGPT specialist is going to really support the creation
of thorough staff reports to present to our council so that they can make sound decisions
for our city. I look forward to taking that straight back to the office.”
The Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership, housed within
the Pepperdine University School of Public Policy, is dedicated to advancing effective
public engagement and civic education. Since its founding in 2005, the institute has
worked with local governments, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to strengthen
democratic governance through meaningful public participation.
Under Pirnejad’s direction the Institute continues to expand its international leadership
in artificial intelligence, democratic governance, and public trust through new global research supported by the International City/County Management Association
(ICMA). The ICMA fellowship will advance the institute’s leadership on how emerging technologies,
including generative artificial intelligence, can improve public service delivery
while preserving the principles of democratic accountability, ethical leadership,
and institutional trust.
The Davenport Institute has two more training opportunities this year; its signature
Virtual Professional Certificate in Public Engagement for Local Government on Thursdays from October 15 to November 19, and its next Applied AI in Local Government: Practical Skills for Public Sector Leaders on December 2 and 3 at the Malibu campus.