RESOURCE COLLECTION
Responsible Use of AI in City Government
Our team works with city staff to ensure all AI applications are secure, equitable, and accountable through governance, frameworks, and transparency.
Emerging TechnologiesAI Transparency Ordinance (Chapter 22J)
We are working with city departments to inventory and report on their AI use as required by the city's AI transparency ordinance (Chapter 22J)
Staff Guidelines on Using Generative AI Tools
The City and County of San Francisco’s updated Generative AI Guidelines provide clear directions on how to use Copilot Chat and other Generative AI tools procured and licensed by the Department of Technology (DT) safely, responsibly, and effectively in your day-to-day work
Top 5 Guidelines for Using Generative AI
- You’re responsible
Whether created by AI or a human, you are accountable for anything you use or share - Use secure tools
Copilot Chat is approved for City use and available to all staff. Avoid public or consumer AI tools unless formally vetted — never enter sensitive or City data into them - Always check the output
AI isn’t always right. Review, edit, fact-check, and test everything it generates - Be transparent
Disclose AI use in public-facing or sensitive work. Record tools in the City’s 22J inventory and notify anyone directly impacted - No deepfakes
Never use AI to create fake images, audio, or video that could be mistaken for real people
Tips for Greener Generative AI Assistant Tool Use
San Francisco is a global climate leader and wants to use AI in ways that support our climate goals. GenAI tools like Copilot Chat use a lot of electricity and water to run big computers and keep them cool.
While full reports will take time, each of us can start helping now. By asking clearer questions and using GenAI tools more carefully, we can lower energy and water use and support San Francisco’s climate leadership.
These tips apply across all GenAI assistant tools, including Copilot Chat, Copilot 365, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude.
GovAI Coalition
The City and County of San Francisco is proud to be a member of the Government AI Coalition— a national network of public agencies working together to share best practices, develop responsible policies, and accelerate the safe and equitable use of artificial intelligence in government.