"Leveraging AI for a Better World": "This is a, area of technology that everyone is is looking at and saying, how can we make the world better, and how can we work together to make the world better in a reliable way?" - Rita Reynolds

In this episode of "Talk Of The County," host Kenneth Wilson engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Rita Reynolds, the Chief Information Officer for the National Association of Counties (NACo). They talk about a myriad of topics ranging from cybersecurity and digital equity to the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI). Throughout the conversation, Rita offers valuable insights drawn from her 36 years of experience working with county IT leaders and her deep commitment to advancing technology at the county level.

Top Takeaways

1. Verifying Suspicious Emails: Rita Reynolds emphasizes the importance of verifying suspicious emails through official alert systems to prevent malware infiltration and protect county networks.
2. Digital Equity and Broadband Access: Digital equity is a focal point for NACo, aiming to ensure universal broadband access across all counties, viewed as an essential utility for daily life similar to water.
3. Collaboration for Accurate Data: Counties play a crucial role in working with ISPs to ensure accurate data reporting, effective use of grants, and successful federal initiatives like the BEED grant to enhance high-speed internet access in underserved areas.
4. Cybersecurity Measures: Cybersecurity remains a top concern for county CIOs, with dual-factor authentication and the use of complex passwords being highlighted as critical preventive measures against cyber threats.
5. Training and Education: Employee training in cybersecurity, including phishing awareness and practical exercises like simulated phishing emails, is vital for enhancing security within county systems.
6. AI in Everyday Life: AI's presence in everyday life through tools like Siri has evolved to include more sophisticated applications such as generative AI, which NACo is exploring through its dedicated committee focusing on policy, ethics, and workforce impact.
7. AI and Human Oversight: AI’s role in decision-making, especially in policy and eligibility for benefits, necessitates human oversight to ensure ethical considerations and prevent biases in data and outcomes.
8. Report on AI’s Potential and Challenges: NACo’s new report discusses AI's benefits, such as improved productivity and service delivery, as well as challenges in governance, security, privacy, and the need for guiding principles for local government use.
9. Creative Cybersecurity Workshops: Rita mentions a creative workshop on cyber best practices, styled after "Shark Tank," held during "shark week" to engage participants innovatively and practically in cybersecurity awareness.
10. AI in Talent Acquisition: Concerns about the authenticity of candidate assessments arise when AI tools are used in HR functions, highlighting the need for a balanced approach between technology and human judgment in the hiring process.

Key Moments

00:00 Career focused on county development and IT.

06:23 Efforts to address bias in book creation.

09:21 Dilemma: Identical application answers and fairness.

12:02 Generative tools modify email tone effectively.

14:51 Enhances productivity, equity, but governance challenging.

18:20 Flexibly use toolkit; counties vary widely.

22:11 Federal grants boost broadband access in communities.

27:27 Advocacy continues for internet...

Inspiring Youth With Personal Experience: "Just because you start a certain way doesn't mean you have to finish this way." - Antonio Gordon

We're thrilled to bring you Antonio Gordon, an inspiring community leader dedicated to youth development and community progress.

In This Episode:

• Reflections in Basketball: Antonio Gordon shares memories of playing with and admiring basketball talents. He talks about influential figures, including John Davis, and credits his ex-wife for her unwavering support.
• Legacy and Values: Antonio opens up about his desire to be remembered as "unselfish" and touches on the annoyance of selfishness. His humorous critique extends to social etiquette at barbecues and dealing with unexpected child drop-offs at social gatherings.
• Youth Development Initiatives: Both Kenneth and Antonio emphasize the importance of exposing youth to various career paths beyond sports. They discuss the need for strong parental guidance and developing programs that support children in all facets of life.
• The TNT Program: Antonio delves into "Thursday Night Thrillers" (TNT), a community initiative offering positive activities like basketball, along with essential resources such as meals and supplies. He reveals his plans to include children with disabilities in sports activities through a partnership with the Special Olympics of Ohio.
• Supporting Local Teams: Antonio shares his love for local sports teams, supporting the Cleveland Browns and Ohio State. His passionate defense of NBA star LeBron James underscores generational debates around basketball GOATs.
• Parental Pride: Learn about Antonio's heartfelt bond with his daughter, Kennedy, her proactive role in community initiatives, and the importance of maintaining high academic standards to secure her college future. Antonio also discusses his pride in both his children’s achievements.
• Community and Personal Impact: Antonio and Kenneth tackle community engagement topics, discussing how new shoes and accessories can boost youth confidence and the cultural importance of maintaining a fresh look.

Key Moments

00:00 Discussing community program "Thursday Night Thrillers".

05:06 Implemented resources I needed to reduce violence.

07:17 Vulnerability helps connect with and guide youth.

12:16 Athletic aspirations often lead to disappointment, depression.

14:16 Parents must prepare kids for life beyond sports.

18:23 Pushing too hard can drive kids away.

20:46 Excited for prom, living through children.

23:55 Helping others brings fulfillment and personal growth.

27:58 Considering comfortable, versatile shoes for everyday wear.

30:26 Hope for continued peace and adequate resources.

33:47 Dad influenced my education and basketball career.

38:32 Cookout pet peeve: Guests arrive unprepared, troublesome kids.

43:01 Expanding activities for inclusive youth participation.

46:10 Opinions on basketball GOAT differ by generation.

48:45 Whitehall parks and rec instrumental last 2 years.

52:27 Assemblies always ruin new shoes' condition.

56:07 Appreciation, podcast participation, community impact, informal chat.

talkofthecounty@franklincountyohio.gov

Copyright 2024 Franklin County Board of Commissioners

We have a very special guest, Michael Bivens, also known as "Juss Mikey." Born in Columbus and educated at North Carolina A&T, Michael's journey from a kinesiology degree holder to a vibrant entertainment personality is nothing short of inspiring.

We'll explore how his early passion for hosting events shaped his career, the influence of his HBCU experience on his personal and professional growth, and the importance of positive energy in everything he does. Michael sheds light on the pivotal advice from his parents, his unique take on civic engagement, and the impact of his work in political content creation. We'll also chat about the role of nostalgia in entertainment, his upcoming projects, and his recent accolades from Nike.

Memorable Moments

04:45 HBCUs inspire camaraderie, motivation, and shared goals.

08:08 Matching my family's high-achieving legacy.

10:48 Motivation comes from embracing challenges, seeking advice.

13:26 First asked about confidence in her presence.

17:46 Political influence through celebrity endorsements in elections.

21:58 Currently not interested in pursuing politics.

23:16 Attention spans are short; use influencers for impact.

27:52 Nike honors me with gifts for influence.

31:30 Start shows with nostalgic 2013-2017 music.

33:17 Conflicted feelings about past music preferences.

38:15 Balancing demographics, valuing guest perspectives on talk.

39:20 Discuss, acknowledge challenges, ensure actions follow.

Top Takeaways

1. Identity and Tribute: Michael Bivens adopted the name "Juss Mikey" from his birth name Justin, changing his name to Michael to honor his father.
2. Educational Journey and Career Shift: Despite having a bachelor's degree in kinesiology, Bivens pursued a career in entertainment, drawn by his passion which started in elementary school.
3. Positive Energy and Experience: Bivens stresses the importance of transferring positive energy and creating enjoyable experiences for everyone he interacts with.
4. HBCU Experience and Personal Growth: Bivens praises the supportive community at North Carolina A&T, an HBCU, which significantly contributed to his personal and professional development.
5. Parental Influence and Decision Making: Bivens acknowledges the beneficial impact of his parents' advice, which led him to attend North Carolina A&T, drawing parallels to finding an unexpectedly perfect fit.
6. Civic Engagement and Voting Importance: Emphasizing participation in democracy, Bivens advocates for voting and being informed about political issues to ensure personal interests are represented and to counter misinformation.
7. Role of Celebrities and Influencers: Bivens highlights the importance of celebrities like Taylor Swift and influencers in engaging young voters and capturing attention on political and economic issues.
8. Addressing Challenges and Personal Growth: Bivens navigates the pressure of living up to family expectations and finding his unique path outside traditional roles, emphasizing resilience over multiple setbacks.
9. Media and Information Flow: The necessity of quickly sharing accurate content to combat misinformation is discussed, highlighting the effectiveness of concise digital content like graphics and short videos.
10. Music and Nostalgia in Engagement: Both Wilson and Bivens agree on the universal appeal of iconic songs and how nostalgia plays a crucial role in engaging audiences, with Bivens frequently using music from 2013-2017 to connect with his listeners.

"One Franklin County Initiative" is a project aimed at transforming the government experience by simplifying access to services for residents and businesses.

We explore how Franklin County plans to overhaul their complex web presence into a streamlined, user-friendly platform.

Our guest, Adam Frumkin, Chief Information Officer (CIO) Franklin County Data Center and Juan Torres, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners Chief Information Officer (CIO), share insights on the web redesign's focus on ADA compliance, multilingual accessibility, and mobile-first design.

We hear about the implementation of a feedback loop for residents, ensuring continuous improvement of the online experience, and discuss the county's vision of creating a progressive model for government websites. Along the way, our conversation veers into intriguing personal anecdotes, from nearly delivering a baby on the highway to mascot adventures and beach preferences.

Additionally, we'll touch on the critical role of technology in elections and utilities, the importance of securing voter confidence, and how Franklin County's technological innovations have earned it a spot among the top 10 digital counties in the USA.

Key Moments

00:00 Achieved digital innovation in county services direction.

03:48 Technology enhances real-life efficiency for residents.

08:38 Complex tech secures and verifies video authenticity.

11:09 Building trust is crucial for election technology.

15:18 Election blackout restricts changes; technology balancing act.

17:59 Electricity is vital; Franklin County faces stress.

20:38 Transforming web presence to enhance resident services.

23:51 Improving Franklin County's resident-focused government experience.

27:41 Simplify government terms using common words.

Key Takeaways

1. **One Franklin County Initiative**:

- The initiative focuses on revamping government services to prioritize resident needs, aiming to integrate services into a single, user-friendly platform.

2. **Web Redesign Focus**:

- A revamped web presence will prioritize accessibility, featuring ADA compliance, multilingual support, and mobile-first design for a seamless "Amazon-like" experience.

3. **Resident Engagement and Feedback**:

- Implementing a resident feedback loop allows for real-time adjustments based on user comments, enhancing website searchability and relevance.

4. **Content and Interface Improvements**:

- Outdated content will be updated, and staff will be trained to use simpler language to enhance comprehension. A user-friendly search interface will adapt to resident usage.

5. **Personal Anecdotes and Leisure**:

- The episode includes light-hearted personal stories, such as Juan Torres' near highway birth of his son, and preferences for beach locations among the speakers.

6. **County's Vision**:

- Franklin County aims to create a progressive model for government websites, continuously learning and adapting to better meet resident and business needs.

7. **Technology's Role in Elections**:

- Technology is vital for secure and efficient elections. Upgraded voter registration and check-in systems are emphasized to build voter confidence.

8. **Challenges of Diverse Technology Needs**:

- The county faces challenges implementing diverse tech needs without disrupting services, with strategic planning crucial for smooth transitions.

9. **Legacy Systems and Innovation**:

- Franklin County is recognized for replacing legacy systems and fostering innovation. The county balances updates with necessary staff training.

10. **Shift to Cloud-Based Solutions Post-COVID**:

- The pandemic accelerated the shift toward cloud-based solutions, improving government transparency and ensuring efficient data handling for services

In this episode of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners General Session, the commissioners welcomed guests from SAFER Station and SMRT Columbus to highlight the significance of Cybersecurity Awareness Month and Digital Inclusion Week. The board also addressed a wide range of resolutions covering infrastructure improvements, mental health services, diversity initiatives, and economic development efforts.

Resolutions Discussed:

Auditor

• Reso. No. 0777-24: Amendment to the Enterprise Licensing Agreement for GIS software and services. ($1,575,000)

Domestic Relations

• Reso. No. 0778-24: Contract for mediation services with ten vendors. ($75,000)

Engineer

• Reso. No. 0779-24: Approval of plans for Renner Road improvements.

• Reso. No. 0780-24: Compensation for property owners abutting Briggs Road and Josephine Avenue. ($900)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• Reso. No. 0782-24: Grant with Hyatt Regency Columbus for the second Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Conference. ($72,125)

Economic Development & Planning

• Reso. No. 0783-24: Discharge of mortgage for Marlene M. Roach in Westerville.

Job and Family Services

• Reso. No. 0784-24: Service agreement with CredibleMind Inc. for a digital behavioral health platform. ($43,000)

Human Resources

• Reso. No. 0785-24: Agreement with Ohio State University for MAPS training units. ($91,250)

Purchasing

• Reso. No. 0786-24: Approving purchases for Franklin County agencies. ($7,703,856.33)

• Reso. No. 0787-24: Approving additional purchases. ($16,870)

Board of Commissioners

• Reso. No. 0788-24: Appointment of representatives to the District 3 Public Works Integrating Committee.

Tune in to stay updated on Franklin County’s latest initiatives and decisions impacting the community!

In this episode of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners General Session, we celebrate Stormwater Awareness Week and recognize Hispanic Heritage Month while focusing on key resolutions. The board addresses affordable housing, public health, economic development, and social programs for families, refugees, and justice-involved individuals.

Resolutions Discussed:

Drainage Engineer

• Reso. No. 0753-24: Ditch maintenance petition approval for Plum Run Crossing in Jackson Township.

Economic Development & Planning

• Reso. No. 0770-24: Affordable Housing Agreement with Community Housing Network for housing units.

• Reso. No. 0771-24: Petition to annex 4.7 acres from Washington Township to the City of Columbus.

Job and Family Services

• Reso. No. 0772-24: Subgrant with Catholic Social Services for refugee support services.

• Reso. No. 0773-24: Agreement with The Center for Healthy Families for Ohio START program services.

Justice Policy and Programs

• Reso. No. 0774-24: Subgrant for reentry services under Franklin County CARES program.

• Reso. No. 0775-24: Grant with Ohio Dept. of Public Safety for justice assistance and crisis intervention training.

Human Resources

• Reso. No. 0776-24: Contract extension with Aetna Life Insurance for employee health benefits.

• Reso. No. 0777-24: Approval of 2025 employee healthcare rates.

Purchasing

• Reso. No. 0778-24: Approving purchases for Franklin County agencies.

Community Partnerships

• Reso. No. 0763-24: COVID-19 Grant for Adaptive Sports Connection’s Power of Ability Initiative.

• Reso. No. 0764-24: COVID-19 Recovery Grant for Nationwide Children’s Hospital Healthy Homes program.

• Reso. No. 0767-24: Grant for community arts programming with Harmony Project.

And more!

Tune in to stay informed about the latest efforts to improve public health, housing, and community programs in Franklin County!

We sit down with Anthony Trotman, Deputy County Manager of Consolidated Health and Human Services for Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Join us as we talk with Anthony about his extensive career, from his beginnings in St. Augustine, Florida, to his impactful work in health and human services. We discuss the challenges of leading in one of North Carolina's most populous counties, the importance of community support, and innovative solutions to housing insecurity and mental health issues.

Memorable Moments

(01:43) AnthonyTrotman talks about how he got into health and human services

(08:06) Housing insecurity is one of the most pressing issues facing Franklin County

(18:26) Every county employee contributes to the success of the county,

(25:27) There's not community housing or community shelter today. The housing stock and rental stock was too costly

(30:43) Quality of schools is talked about a lot

(36:53) Part of the issue right now is there's a lack of access

(39:57) The fentanyl issues and intellectual developmental delays,

(43:00) Talk about work life balance and why it's important

(51:01) You talk about leaving it all in the field when it comes to family

(54:31) Congratulations on 35 years with Omega Sci-Fi and Kappa Alpha sign

(01:00:12) Worked in Franklin and Mecklenburg counties for eight years

(01:06:37) Mecklenburg County is investing in innovative ways of helping people

(01:18:51) Trotman is president of the National Association of County Administrators

talkofthecounty@franklincountyohio.gov

Copyright 2024 Franklin County Board of Commissioners

In this episode of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners General Session, the commissioners tackle key resolutions aimed at boosting immigrant and refugee services, empowering minority businesses, and enhancing public safety.

Special guests include US Together Inc. to discuss the Central Ohio Welcoming Plan and Experience Columbus on promoting local tourism. The board also approves a range of contracts and funding for community health and safety.

Resolutions Voted On:

Court of Common Pleas

• Reso. No. 0725-24: Contract with MNJ Technologies for digital docket display signage.

Domestic Relations

• Reso. No. 0726-24: Supplemental appropriation for the Special Food Fund.

• Reso. No. 0727-24: Contract extension with Action for Children for Parenting Seminars.

• Reso. No. 0728-24: Maintenance agreement with Sadler-NeCamp Financial Services for PROWARE.

Auditor

• Reso. No. 0729-24: Amendment with Hoover Blanket Inc. for dog licensing software.

Coroner

• Reso. No. 0730-24: Contract with Agilent Technologies for toxicology equipment.

Engineer

• Reso. No. 0731-24: Compensation for property abutting Renner Road project.

• Reso. No. 0732-24: Compensation for property abutting Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road project.

• Reso. No. 0733-24: Approval of improvement plans for Woodland Preserve.

• Reso. No. 0734-24: Approval of improvement plans for Villages at Galloway Phase 4.

Sheriff

• Reso. No. 0735-24: Police protection agreement with Job and Family Services.

• Reso. No. 0736-24: Funding for a new therapy dog and equipment.

Animal Control

• Reso. No. 0737-24: Gift acceptance from John G. Shaver.

Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• Reso. No. 0738-24: Contract for DEI Conference photography.

• Reso. No. 0739-24: Agreement for immigrant services with US Together Inc.

• Reso. No. 0740-24: Branding and social media contract for DEI Conference.

• Reso. No. 0741-24: Agreement with Experience Columbus to boost tourism.

• Reso. No. 0742-24: Grant for minority business empowerment with Now Foundation.

Job and Family Services

• Reso. No. 0744-24: Contract amendment with Access 2 Interpreters for translation services.

• Reso. No. 0745-24: Contract amendment for Ohio Works First services.

• Reso. No. 0746-24: Amendments to the Prevention, Retention, and Contingency Plan for 2024-2025.

Justice Policy and Programs

• Reso. No. 0747-24: Subgrant for interoperability equipment under the Justice Assistance Grant.

• Reso. No. 0748-24: Contracts for peer support and case management for SAFER Station.

Board of Commissioners

• Reso. No. 0750-24 to 0752-24: Reappointments to the OneOhio Region 1 Board.

Tune in to stay up-to-date on the decisions impacting Franklin County!