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by Christina Mendez
REDDING, Calif. — A new community AI Task Force is taking shape in Shasta County as local leaders seek to prepare the region for the growing impact of artificial intelligence and help residents benefit from the technology, according to Shasta County District 4 Supervisor Matt Plummer.
The AI Task Force is an informal coalition of leaders from government, education and business. It includes representatives from Shasta College, Simpson University, the Redding Chamber of Commerce, the Shasta Economic Development Corporation and the Shasta Union High School District.
Plummer said the group's goal is to improve AI literacy across the community and identify ways the technology can benefit residents.
The task force is currently focused on two areas: increasing access to government information and improving the building and permitting process.
One initiative would explore using AI to make public information more accessible and easier to understand. Another would examine tools to streamline permit reviews and improve efficiency in the building process, Plummer said.
The task force operates without dedicated funding and is made up of volunteers whose work aligns with their organizations’ missions.
Separately, Shasta County is developing policies to guide the use of AI within county government. Plummer recently introduced a resolution encouraging departments to explore AI solutions while establishing safeguards related to privacy, security and transparency.
Some residents have expressed concerns about potential job losses and automated decision-making, Plummer said. He said AI is intended to support employees rather than replace them.
The county faces a vacancy rate of about 15%, and Plummer said AI could help staff manage workloads by automating routine tasks, allowing them to focus on more meaningful work. He also said humans would remain responsible for important decisions and noted that state law already requires human oversight in many cases.
“There are tools out there that can help us deliver better services to the public and do it more cost-effectively,” Plummer said. “It’s our responsibility to explore those opportunities while making sure the proper safeguards are in place.”
Plummer encouraged residents with expertise in artificial intelligence to participate in discussions as the AI Task Force continues its work.
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