Artificial intelligence (AI) is the key topic this month when the board of California’s Little Hoover Commission meets in the state Capitol.
The commission is an independent oversight agency created in 1962 with the goal of investigating state government operations and policy and to make recommendations to the governor and Legislature to promote economy.
The commission’s meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. in Room 437 of the state Capitol. Board members will hear experts address four key areas related to AI and state government:
— AI and its effect on employment will be addressed by representatives from McKinsey & Co. and by the nonprofit California Forward, whose mission is “to inspire better decision-making by governments at all levels in order to create middle-class jobs, promote cost-effective public services and create accountability for results.” This first discussion will center specifically on occupational disruption as a result of new technologies.
— Major policy questions raised by the growth of AI will be addressed by a University of Washington law and technology professor, who will also speak on AI’s current and future applications and the importance of policymakers’ having in-house technical expertise.
— Representatives of the University of California and the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation will discuss the pros and cons of automation, as well as the role of government in supporting AI.
— Finally, Eric Rice and Milind Tambe of the USC Center for Artificial Intelligence in Society will discuss the use of AI in solving difficult social problems, such as educating homeless youth about HIV and AIDS.
After the four presentations, the commission will hold a public comment session, followed by a business meeting at 925 L St. in Sacramento.