Multiple Dates and Locations | March 2026

Understanding AI: A Forum for Local Government

Join Extension and UW-Madison experts at one of four locations throughout the state to gain a clear understanding of how local and tribal governments can use AI.

Through hands-on sessions and lectures tailored to address the unique needs of local government, participants will gain critical tools and strategies.

Registration Notification

About

Designed for government leaders and employees to gain practical uses of generative AI in their work, the Understanding AI Forum will equip participants with actionable skills.

Participants will:

Learn what generative AI is

Understand how to use AI responsibly

Discover common pitfalls to avoid

Gain hands-on experience

Cost

Understanding AI: A Forum for Local Government costs $50 and includes lunch and refreshments.

Partners

Dates & Locations

Select one of four convenient locations throughout the state of Wisconsin

Wisconsin Dells

Thursday, March 5, 2026
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Kalahari Resort

Registration Forthcoming

Eau Claire

Wednesday, March 18, 2026
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The Lismore Hotel

Registration Forthcoming

Oshkosh

Tuesday, March 17, 2026
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Marriott Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center

Registration Forthcoming

Lac du Flambeau

Thursday, March 26, 2026
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Lake of the Torches Resort

Registration Forthcoming

Networking & Opening Remarks

Featuring Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin or Interim Provost John Zumbrunnen

For over 120 years, UW-Madison has embodied the Wisconsin Idea, and addressing technological leaps like AI is no different.

UW is at the forefront of innovation for public good and is leading the way on cutting-edge research and transformative real-world impacts. Hear more about AI’s role in the future, the RISE initiative at UW-Madison, and applied AI in fields ranging from computer science and statistics to agriculture and health.

Morning Sessions

Each participant will choose between AI 101 and AI 201

AI 101

What is AI

How AI is used by Wisconsin local units of government

Risks of using AI, including privacy, security, copyright, bias, etc.

Organizational risk/mitigating AI risks

Introductory AI training exercises, focusing on creating more effective prompts

AI 201

Summarizing primary AI risks and mitigation strategies

How to spot AI hallucinations

How to recognize deepfake videos

Series of exercises tailored to the local government

Learn about AI for research, writing agendas, publishing open meeting notices, writing ordinances, and evaluating regulatory applications

Afternoon Sessions

Each participant will choose between the following sessions:

AI
Foundations

AI Examples

Licensing considerations for purchasing

Local government policies

AI Impacts to Local Governments

Delivery of Services: Learn how local governments can use and are currently using AI

Impact of employee use

Data
Centers

What is a data center? How does it work?

What factors should local governments consider? (e.g. economic development, land use, policy, environment)

AI holds immense potential to enhance efficiencies and reduce costs in local government operations. Extension’s AI training sessions enabled Bayfield County employees to gain a better understanding of the technology and its practical applications for local government operations.
Mark Abeles-Allison, Bayfield County Administrator