Hanford council opens conversation on AI governance, asks staff to survey and train employees

City staff presented an introductory briefing on artificial intelligence and recommended a measured governance approach that starts with a staff survey and employee training while developing administrative regulations for staff and policy guidance for council members.

Brian Johnson, community relations manager, said many city products already have embedded AI features and emphasized tools to inventory current uses and to avoid overreliance: "Effective governance and oversight of AI is critical for state and local governments to realize good value for their AI projects, increase efficiency, build and maintain public trust," he told council. He recommended using Gov AI Coalition templates and an employee survey to identify current AI usage.

Councilmembers emphasized human accountability and transparency. Councilman Payton urged engagement with labor, careful handling of public records impacts and a measured rollout. Vice Mayor House asked that the city limit AI use for outward‑facing marketing when it reduces clarity. Johnson and council agreed staff should return with survey results and draft training and policy options; council asked staff to develop separate administrative regulations for employees and handbook guidance for elected officials.

No formal policy was adopted; council gave staff direction to proceed with an assessment and training plan.