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COGWorks


COGWorks is an initiative within the Land of Sky Regional Council’s Economic and Community Development Division. This initiative aims to provide learning, training, and networking opportunities around emerging issues in Western North Carolina. Opportunities within this initiative take the form of free or low-cost educational sessions with choice speakers covering a variety of topics. COGWorks sessions provide CM credits, which are essential for AICP planners, and opportunities for networking and education. All sessions are sponsored by NC-APA.

2024 Session Schedule


This page is updated quarterly with session details, credit amounts, and registration links.

MARCH

Generative AI Strategies for Small Towns (1.5 CM Credits)

arch 15, 2024 | 1:00 – 2:30 pm | Virtual | Free

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), ranging from large language models to image generation, possesses a wide range of civic applications that can expand the capacity of planners and their organizations. Many local governments are exploring applications of generative AI in governance including applications such as ChatBots, plan evaluation, memo drafting, automation of administrative tasks, synthesizing public feedback, and enhancing data analysis methods. These applications create new tools for practitioners to use to improve the quality of work and speed of delivery for governments of all shapes and sizes. 

This session, hosted by the APA's Technology Division and Land of Sky Regional Council's COGWorks Program, focuses on how municipal planning departments can utilize language models and similar technologies to enhance staff capacity. This session will discuss the risks and benefits of this technology, emerging applications, and provide a brief tutorial on how to apply the technology in a planning context. While this technology cannot replace staff members, it is a tool that may enable practitioners, particularly in small rural municipalities, to better serve their communities.

Registration Link:  https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CWZCAfTaSiS1pbHhDWi7oA#/registration 


The sessions are co-sponsored by APA-NC Section 1.