Jim Loter serves as the interim chief technology officer for the City of Seattle, where he leads IT projects within various city departments. He is focused on managing the risks associated with generative artificial intelligence and is working on building internal systems and checkpoints to implement AI safely and responsibly. Loter is also leading a new learning initiative for city employees to explore emerging technology tools and match them with problems that need solving within the city.
In his role at the City of Seattle’s IT department, Loter is responsible for providing consolidated IT services for the city’s departments in the executive branch. He partners with city departments to deliver services that improve the quality of life for residents. Loter has also been involved in developing AI guidelines for the city, engaging stakeholders from various organizations to ensure a holistic and common-sense approach to implementing AI technology. His focus is on protecting the public’s privacy and data while utilizing AI in a responsible manner.
Loter emphasizes the importance of human-in-the-loop reviews when utilizing AI technology, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and attribution of information generated by AI systems. He believes that it is essential for city government to manage AI risks and uses in a way that aligns with the city’s goals and values, ultimately benefiting residents. Loter collaborates closely with Mayor Bruce Harrell and has presented the city’s work on AI at national conferences, generating interest and conversation among city leaders.
One of Loter’s key initiatives at the City of Seattle is to convene a community of interested city employees to educate them about AI technology, the city’s plans for its implementation, and how their colleagues are utilizing it. He has seen overwhelming interest from employees who want to learn more about the technology and its potential applications within the city. Loter’s approach focuses on collaboration and education to ensure a smooth and responsible integration of AI technology within the city’s operations.
