On Dec. 5, WaTech brought together leaders from more than 20 state agencies at 1500 Jefferson for Washington’s first AI Strategy Planning Workshop — a key milestone in advancing our strategic goals around modern, connected and customer-centric government services.
Designed and facilitated by WaTech’s Enterprise Architecture and AI teams, the workshop gave agencies a shared view of current AI pilots and where the state needs coordinated investment.
State CIO and WaTech Director Bill Kehoe opened the day by reinforcing that a statewide AI strategy is essential to delivering services that are “simpler, faster and more accessible” for Washingtonians. State CTO Gretchen Peri outlined the emerging statewide AI strategy and emphasized the foundation WaTech has already built for responsible, ethical and secure AI use.
Enterprise AI Business Architect and workshop facilitator Chaney Curry then led agencies through structured exercises to generate and prioritize nearly 200 ideas focused on real resident needs — from reducing processing times to improving online self-service and managing high-volume requests.
These activities directly support WaTech’s strategic objectives to modernize business platforms, enable data-informed decisions, and strengthen “connected government” through shared tools, governance and standards. The feedback gathered from the workshop will guide enterprise solutions such as common AI platforms, workforce training, and partnerships with local governments, universities and nonprofits.
WaTech will now synthesize the input, host a virtual follow-up session, and lead the drafting of Washington’s statewide AI strategy, ensuring our enterprise governance groups and community partners help shape a roadmap for responsible AI adoption across state government.