Recap: A Conversation with Albert Glee: Balancing Innovation and Oversight in Government AI

Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from experimentation to practical application across government, creating new opportunities for agencies to improve operations and service delivery. To explore how public-sector organizations can adopt AI responsibly, Forerunner Co-founder and CEO JT White  recently spoke with Albert Glee, City Privacy & AI Officer for the City of San Jose and leader of the GovAI Coalition.

Throughout the conversation, Albert emphasized that successful AI adoption begins with empowering employees to work more effectively. In San Jose, AI is already supporting a range of municipal functions, from improving public transit efficiency and expanding language accessibility to helping staff automate routine administrative tasks. By reducing time spent on repetitive work, these tools allow employees to focus more on serving residents and advancing municipal initiatives.

A key factor in successful AI adoption is fostering a culture of experimentation. Albert encouraged agencies to begin with small, manageable projects that allow employees to test AI tools, learn what works, and identify opportunities for broader adoption. This approach helps organizations build confidence, uncover value, and better understand potential risks before expanding.

As agencies move from experimentation to broader implementation, governance and oversight become increasingly important. The discussion highlighted the need for clear policies, accountability measures, and employee training programs that promote responsible AI use. Albert shared that education has played a critical role in helping staff move beyond skepticism and develop the skills needed to evaluate AI-generated outputs while maintaining appropriate human oversight.

The conversation also underscored the value of collaboration across government. Through the GovAI Coalition, hundreds of public-sector organizations are sharing lessons learned, developing governance frameworks, and working together to navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI. By learning from one another, agencies can accelerate adoption while establishing the guardrails needed to maintain public trust.

The discussion reinforced that successful AI adoption requires more than technology alone. Agencies that pair innovation with development, governance, and cross-sector collaboration will be better equipped to use AI in ways that improve operations, support staff, and enhance service delivery for residents.

The discussion can be viewed below:

Want to build on the insights from the webinar? Explore how Forerunner is helping governments modernize operations with AI-powered geospatial tools that improve efficiency, strengthen compliance, and support stronger, safer communities. Request a demo or reach out to hello@withforerunner.com to learn more.