Melanie McDonough, the City of Lebanon’s Chief Innovation and AI officer was our speaker. She is the City of Lebanon’s first Chief Innovation and AI Officer. She started working for the city over 15 years ago, initially serving as an IT and web administrator in the City’s consulted IT division before officially joining as the first Digital Medica Officer in 2019. In 2021, at the direction of City Manager, Shaun Mulholland, Melanie was promoted to the new position of Chief Innovation Officer. In July 2024, her title was updated to reflect her leadership in the City’s responsible adoption and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI).
In her role she collaborates with the City Manager, Cyber Services Director, and other department leaders to foster a culture of innovation. She leads initiatives that include integrating generative AI to improve public services, identifying opportunities for growth, and implementing creative solutions to streamline processes and better serve our community. She ensures that communication and website content align with City expectations and comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Melanie McDonough
She shared that when she was hired, the goal was for her to help move the City to be more “paperless”. Covid certainly helped speed up the process of going more digital. She works with all department heads to help with process management. As processes are reviewed, some are kept, some are revised, and many are streamlined and improved with by using technology. Currently, she is working hard to make the building permit process easier for those waiting to learn if their permit has been approved. Behind the scenes, she has worked to connect all departments that need to sign off on permit. Each has weighed in on what they need to see completed prior to final approval. When this system is updated, the goal is to avoid a permit being approved, then learning that a key department has not officially signed off on the permit. It will possible to pay fees online too
She works closely with City Manager Mulholland on Strategic Planning. Finding ways to involve city residents in the process too.
She has developed an AI policy for the city. Here is the link to the policy,
click here.
On December 19, 2023, the City of Lebanon adopted its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy, “ADM-143 Use of Artificial Intelligence.” This policy reflects Lebanon’s dedication to harnessing the power of AI while ensuring ethical, fair, and secure application. The policy is presented here in an open, accessible format and will be updated regularly by the Technology Review Committee as AI technology evolves. The official PDF version of this policy is available for download from our Open Records portal. We encourage you to submit your feedback about this policy and follow our AI Initiative page for more information and updates.
She indicated that we are one of the first Cities to implement an AI policy, and many are reaching out to her to learn more about what is in place in Lebanon.
One of her major goals is to implement changes to processes that are complicated and have multiple steps. She shared that the next task she is charged with with the help of all who are using technology is meeting the new ADA standards that are directly related to use of technology. It is a huge initiative that will need to be completed by 2027.
She briefly talked about the work being done to make sure we are as safe as we can be due to external threats. Before any new technology in integrated into the work space, the assistant city manager, the cyber security chief, and Melanie must review and then signoff on the technology. The city takes cybersecurity a priority, and the work to keep our systems safe is neverending.
If she is doing her job correctly, all the information that is needed won’t be lost, but the steps that are needed will be fewer. New technology will help streamline processes, while being safe from a cyber attack, we will have better analytics to understand how the City is responding to the needs of the citizens of Lebanon.
Before moving to Lebanon, Melanie co-owned a small Yamaha dealership in Wyoming. This experience gave her valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that local businesses face. As a mother of five, and grandmother of three, she brings a strong sense of adaptability and community focus to her work. As a long time resident of Lebanon, Melanie is passionate about driving Lebanon towards the future where local government services and ethical modern technology blend seamlessly. She is open and eagar to receive feedback from residents, business owners and community members.
Melanie joined the City in June 2019 as the Digital Media Officer and was promoted to Chief Innovation Officer in November 2021. On July 3, 2024, her title was updated to Chief Innovation and AI Officer to reflect her role in leading the responsible adoption and operationalization of artificial intelligence within the City.
As Chief Innovation and AI Officer, Melanie assists the City Manager in fostering a positive culture of innovation, including the adoption of generative AI, within the City. She drives meaningful change by identifying opportunities for improvement and growth and implementing creative, effective solutions. Melanie provides collaborative and proactive oversight and guidance to streamline processes and ensures communication and website content correlate with City expectations and best industry practices and are in full compliance with all applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
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