# Opinion: Utahns can have a voice in the future of AI > Source: > Published: 2026-07-27 22:28:02+00:00 Every technological advancement offers benefits and carries risks. Artificial intelligence is no exception. As a general-purpose technology — like the steam engine, electricity, the computer and the internet — AI is likely to transform daily life while presenting both significant opportunities and important challenges. Whether those opportunities outweigh the challenges will depend not only on the technology itself but also on the choices society makes. We, the people, can play a critical role in shaping AI’s impact on human and planetary well-being and safety. History shows that the trajectory of transformative technologies is shaped by public values, civic engagement and policy decisions. Debates over nuclear weapons testing, human cloning, stem cell research and social media illustrate how public action has influenced the development and governance of potentially transformative technologies. Realizing AI’s benefits while limiting its risks will require active public participation and responsible governance. Citizens must help shape the standards and priorities that guide AI development. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our schools, workplaces, healthcare systems and communities, decisions about its use are being made every day. Utahns deserve a meaningful voice before those decisions become permanent. Recognizing this need, [Utah Common Ground](https://www.utahcommonground.org/) (UCG) was formed in January 2026. This nonpartisan coalition, including [AI Ethics and Governance Institute](https://www.aegixinstitute.org/about), [Braver Angels](https://braverangels.org/), [Center for Anticipatory Intelligence](https://www.usu.edu/cai/), [Engage Forum](https://www.engageforum.org/) and [Mormon Women for Ethical Government](https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/about), brings together Utahns across political, geographic and demographic differences to identify areas of broad agreement about AI and its role in our future. Through an online “[open poll](https://utah.bloomproject.us/landing)” and community conversations held in person and virtually, more than 550 Utahns have already shared their hopes, concerns, and priorities for AI. The goal is not to manufacture consensus, but to better understand where broad agreement exists and to build practical, citizen-informed solutions. The conversations so far have revealed something encouraging. Utahns are neither blindly optimistic nor reflexively fearful about AI. Many already use it at work, at home and at school. They value AI’s ability to help run businesses, manage everyday tasks, improve access to healthcare, and advance science and medicine. They also want Utah to remain on the cutting edge of technological innovation. At the same time, participants consistently emphasize protecting what matters most. They want children and teens to learn to use AI safely and responsibly without compromising independent problem-solving, critical thinking and other foundational skills. Parents want to retain the ability to supervise their children’s AI use in age-appropriate ways while helping them develop healthy digital habits. Many have also expressed concern that excessive reliance on AI could weaken relationships, diminish human connection and hinder social development for both youth and adults. Despite differing perspectives, participants have revealed broad agreement on several principles. Nearly all agree that decisions affecting AI development and use should be transparent and that the public should have meaningful opportunities to comment on AI policy decisions. This consensus provides a strong foundation for moving beyond identifying concerns to developing practical recommendations, with an emphasis on what role the public should have in shaping decisions related to AI technology and infrastructure. This September, approximately 40 residents from Cache, Salt Lake, and Utah counties will participate in a Solutions Forum to identify ways to navigate and optimize AI’s expansion into homes, communities and land use across the state. Selected from volunteers to reflect the diversity of Utah voices, they will help develop recommendations that can inform future policy discussions. AI’s impact will be broad, and effective governance will require collaboration among individuals, families, businesses and all levels of government. The future of AI in Utah can be shaped by Utahns. We have an opportunity to show that technological innovation and democratic participation can go hand in hand. If we succeed, Utahns won’t simply adapt to AI. They will help define how it serves our families, communities and state.