Five months after releasing its “responsible AI plan” providing guidelines for the municipality’s use of artificial intelligence, the City of Seattle has tapped the brakes on the tech’s official deployment for city employees.
Mayor Katie Wilson last month paused the planned citywide rollout of Microsoft Copilot, as first reported Monday in The Seattle Times. Her predecessor, Mayor Bruce Harrell, h...
**Steelman:** Seattle’s approach to AI adoption is a model of cautious innovation. The city has proactively established governance frameworks, conducted pilot tests with measurable benefits, and emphasized transparency—all while recognizing the risks of bias and over-reliance on automation. The pause in Copilot’s rollout reflects a commitment to responsible deployment rather than a rejection of AI itself. By appointing an AI Officer and requiring quarterly reports, Seattle demonstrates accountab...