Presentation

Empowering and Elevating
Mesa with AI Skills
A Mesa Resident and City Staff Learning Initiative through 
the Mesa Public Library and City iLearn System
February 9, 2026

Purpose of Today’s Presentation
Introduce a 
citywide AI 
Training initiative
Explain how the 
program serves 
both residents 
and City staff
Outline 
implementation, 
considerations, 
and governance

Why AI Training Matters 
for Mesa
AI tools are rapidly becoming part of:
• Workforce productivity
• Small business operations
• Public service delivery
Cities that invest early in AI literacy:
• Improve service efficiency
• Strengthen workforce competitiveness
• Reduce digital inequity

Program Overview & 
Funding
Cost efficient model
• One curriculum, two audiences
• Over 100 AI courses available via
LinkedIn Learning
Adaptable and scalable
• Tailored learning paths 
by audience
Existing Funding Source
• Already in Library budget
• LinkedIn Learning
• Already in DoIT budget
• iLearn System
Audience
Delivery Platform
Purpose
Mesa 
Residents
Mesa Public 
Library
Workforce 
readiness, digital 
equity and literacy
City Staff
iLearn (City’s 
existing Learning 
Management 
System)
Productivity, 
service 
improvement and 
enhancement

Curriculum Structure
Core Learning 
Tracks 
(Shared):
AI fundamentals
Prompting and effective use
Ethics, bias, and responsible use
Specialized 
Tracks:
Residents: workforce, business, personal use
City staff: public-sector use cases, compliance, policy
Format:
Short modules (10–30 minutes)
Certificates of completion
Optional advanced training paths

Resident-Focused AI Training (Mesa Public Library)
Who:
• Adults, job seekers, students, 
entrepreneurs, seniors
How:
• Online, self-paced courses 
accessed via library accounts
• Available remotely or at library 
locations
Sample Topics:
• AI basics & everyday use
• AI tools for resumes, job search, 
and learning
• Small business & entrepreneurship 
applications
• Digital safety and AI ethics
Benefits:
• Free access to high-demand 
skills
• Reduces digital divide
• Positions libraries as modern 
workforce hubs

Public Announcement & Awareness
• Roll-out possible in 2-3 months
• Launch E-card campaign
• AI 101 and introductory content
• Online and in-person options

Resident Implementation Plan
Phase 1 – Citywide 
Launch
•Press Release
•Social Media
•Channel 11 Feature
Phase 2 – Promote 
Library Cards
•Available at Libraries
•Obtain online via library 
website
Phase 3 – Validate Users
•Active library card required for 
access to AI courses
•Helps confirm Mesa or 
Maricopa County resident 
status
Phase 4 – Anonymously 
Monitor, Maintain, and 
Report
•Monitor course viewing
•Report on metrics

City Staff AI Training (iLearnMesa Portal)
Who:
• All City staff using AI Tools
• Optional tracks for specialty 
roles
How:
• iLearn Mesa hub 
• LinkedIn Learning via Library
• Track completions + badges
Tracks:
• AI Essentials & Safe Use
• M365 Copilot Productivity
• Excel / Reporting Automation
• Leaders: Governance & Workflow
• Department add-on modules
Benefits:
• Faster drafting & analysis
• Risk-managed use (PII + accuracy)
• Measurable skill growth

City Staff Announcement & Awareness
Launch an “AI Learning Hub” in iLearn Mesa (Tracks + FAQs)
Kickoff: Staff Announcement + Inside Mesa + Teams site for 
Collaboration
Quick-start: 30-min AI 101 & Safe Use + Monthly Office 
Hours
Manager toolkit: Recommended tracks by role + “What’s 
Allowed” One-Page Guide
Align with AZ Public Sector AI Symposium + State AI 
Steering Committee

Staff Implementation Plan
1 – Build the iLearn AI Hub 
(in progress)
• Curate tracks + job aids
• Link/Integrate LinkedIn Learning
• Set reporting & badges
2 – Publish Tracks (March)
• Required: AI Essentials & Safe Use
• Electives: Copilot / Data / Leaders
Validate and Refine
Engage with State Committee
3 – Dept Pilots & Modules 
(Apr-Jun)
• Find Champions + Top Use Cases
• Add department modules 
(records, HR, etc.)
Phase 4 – Continuous 
Improvement 
• Collaborate + Monthly meetups
• Quarterly refresh
• Measure completion + Wins

Governance, Safety & Ethics
Content aligned with:
Public-sector AI best practices
Data privacy and security standards
Clear guidelines for:
What City staff may and may not 
use AI for
Ethical and transparent use
Regular content updates to 
keep pace with AI changes

Community & Workforce 
Impact
• Strengthens Mesa’s workforce 
competitiveness
• Supports small businesses and job seekers
• Improves City service delivery and staff 
effectiveness
• Positions Mesa as a forward-thinking, 
innovative city

Measuring Success
Resident 
enrollments and 
completions
Employee 
participation by 
department
User satisfaction 
surveys

Tips and Tricks
• Treat the AI like a brilliant but new employee: It has access to the world’s information 
but needs your specific instructions to know how to use it.
• Context is King: Don't just ask a question; explain the background, the audience, and 
your ultimate goal to get the best result.
• You are the Expert: AI is a tool, not a replacement. Use your subject matter expertise 
to guide the conversation and verify the output.
• Experimentation over Perfection: There is no single "correct" way to prompt. If the 
first answer isn't right/what you want, rephrase and iterate until it is.

Mesa Investing in People, 
Skills, and the Future