The Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners is poised to make a bold leap into the future of governance, with a series of decisions that could redefine the county’s technological and infrastructural landscape. At the heart of today’s agenda is a significant investment in cloud-based technology and artificial intelligence (AI), a move that could streamline operations, enhance security, and position the county as a regional leader in digital innovation.
The county’s journey towards cloud-based systems began in earnest last year, following a ransomware attack that underscored the vulnerabilities of on-premises systems. The migration of the county’s computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system and the District Court Joint Information Services (JIS) system to the cloud has already yielded benefits, including immediate security updates and geographic redundancy. Today, commissioners will consider extending this approach to the Enterprise Permitting and Licensing (EPL) system, used by departments such as Construction Codes, Environmental Health, and Equalization/GIS. The proposed upgrade, costing $274,603 in the first year with an annual recurring cost of $256,003, is a substantial increase from the current subscription cost of just over $82,000. Yet, as County Administrator Nate Alger notes, the shift to cloud-based models is a “best practice and more secure,” reflecting a broader industry trend.
The county’s embrace of AI is equally noteworthy. Commissioners will consider approving nearly $400,000 in subscription renewal costs for Microsoft 365 products, including 100 new Microsoft Copilot licenses. Copilot, Microsoft’s AI assistant, promises to bring “AI-powered productivity capabilities across the organization,” according to IT Director Cliff DuPuy. The deployment of Copilot will be accompanied by AI training for employees and the establishment of a “Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence,” a potential future department that could drive AI integration across county operations. The county has already begun using AI in the 911/Central Dispatch center to handle non-emergency calls, demonstrating the technology’s practical applications.
The county’s foray into AI and cloud-based systems is not without its challenges. The ethical use of AI, for instance, will require careful consideration and training. As Alger notes, employees will be trained in best practices for using AI ethically and verifying the accuracy of its output. An updated county policy on AI use is expected to come before commissioners for review in the future, reflecting the ongoing nature of this digital transformation.
Beyond technology, commissioners will also approve a request-for-proposals (RFP) process to find a consultant for planning a new justice center. This centralized complex is envisioned to host a new jail and multiple law enforcement agencies, addressing the county’s growing needs in this area. The RFP outlines three potential phases of services, including pre-design services, design services, and optional construction oversight. This process could lead to a comprehensive renovation of the Governmental Center or the construction of new facilities, reflecting the county’s long-term vision for its infrastructure.
Finally, County Treasurer Jamie Callahan is expected to address commissioners regarding the county’s most recent audit. While the audit was clean, it was filed late with the state, and areas of needed improvement were flagged. Bank reconciliations, for instance, were not completed timely or accurately and should be done within 30 days going forward. Callahan is expected to provide regular reports to commissioners on the status of the county’s investments, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.
These decisions come at a time when the construction industry is grappling with the intersection of sustainability and technological innovation. As Grand Traverse County embarks on this digital transformation, it is also an opportunity to consider how these technological advancements can be leveraged to support sustainable construction practices. For instance, cloud-based systems can enhance project management, reducing waste and improving efficiency. AI, on the other hand, can be used to optimize resource use, predict maintenance needs, and even design more sustainable buildings.
Moreover, the planning of the new justice center presents an opportunity to integrate sustainable design principles from the outset. This could include the use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and green spaces that not only reduce the environmental impact but also enhance the well-being of those who use the facility.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, the decisions made by Grand Traverse County commissioners today could serve as a model for other counties and municipalities. By embracing technology and sustainability, the county is not only addressing its immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for a more resilient and sustainable future. The challenge, however, will be to balance these technological advancements with the need for ethical considerations, transparency, and community engagement. In doing so, Grand Traverse County can demonstrate how technology and sustainability can come together to create a better, more livable world.