Speaking

AI copilots, agents and web-enabled assistants (powered by large language models) are rapidly becoming standard tools across the infrastructure sector. For public works professionals, the opportunity is real: faster drafting, clearer communication, better retrieval of institutional knowledge and more consistent workflows. The risk is also real: hallucinations, overconfidence, privacy and public-records concerns and unclear accountability. This session offers a practical, plain-English “AI 101 & AI 201” foundation designed for public works leaders and practitioners.

AI 101 demystifies how modern assistants work, what AI assistants are good at and where human judgment remains essential. Participants will learn prompt patterns that improve accuracy, plus simple validation steps that fit real schedules.

AI 201 moves from basics to scalable workflows: using “models in series” for QA/QC, building checklists for responsible use and setting guardrails for confidential/sensitive information and records retention.

Examples will be applicable to operations and maintenance, capital improvement programs, permitting/inspections, asset and work-order narratives, as well as communications to leadership and the community.