Why Become a UCPCOG AI Network Member?
Most public agencies do not have the time to chase one-off trainings or evaluate costly consultants. What they need is a practical, affordable path to build AI capability without straining budgets or depending on internal IT resources.
That is the purpose of the UCPCOG AI Academy.
COG Membership
Membership includes a single organizational subscription designed specifically for public sector use. Councils of Governments (COGs) may use this account as a shared training resource across their organization, including screening courses in staff meetings, supporting onboarding, or assigning modules for self-paced learning. The UCPCOG will contact participating COGs to determine the number of codes needed to train additional staff.
Local Government Membership
For counties, municipalities, and other local agencies, the subscription is structured around a designated primary user who leads training efforts, coordinates internal learning, and applies materials within the organization. Local governments purchasing the annual subscription may be issued up to 25 free codes to create accounts to train other staff.
The Value
The content is practical, the language is direct, and the platform is built for small and mid-sized public agencies. It is not intended for technology vendors or academic institutions.
Whether you are a regional council supporting multiple partners or a local agency launching your first AI initiative, this membership helps establish a shared foundation, strengthen internal capability, and maintain consistent training throughout the year. No technical background is required. The focus remains on structured training aligned with public sector operations.
What Would This Cost Without the Network?
Comparable training delivered through private consulting often costs several thousand dollars once course design, instruction, materials, and access are included. Additionally, the cost to send one staff to formal training to cover all of these topics would typically exceed the cost of the UCPCOG AI Academy annual subscription.
The UCPCOG AI Academy provides this capability for $600 per year.
Why You Need to Know About AI
Public sector leaders don’t have to become AI experts. But they do need to understand enough to make smart decisions, protect their communities, and guide their teams through change.
AI is already being used to speed up permits, find grant funding, and answer citizen questions at all hours. But it can also introduce risk if no one’s watching how it’s being used. Leaders set the tone. If they’re informed and involved, their agencies are more likely to adopt AI tools that are secure, fair, and practical. That’s especially true for rural and small metro governments, where resources are tight and every dollar counts.
Knowing how AI works, where it helps, and where it needs oversight isn’t just good management. It’s becoming part of the job.
Bundle Contents
Showcase courses, digital downloads and coaching in your Bundle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I'm unhappy with my purchase?
We want this training to be worth your time and money. But because our bundles include coaching and downloadable materials, they aren’t eligible for Teachable’s 30-day refund policy.
If something’s not right, email us at kskinner@ucpcog.org. We’ll review your situation and do our best to make it right, whether that’s offering credit or another solution.
Teachable charged sales tax
The Teachable platform does calculate sales taxes for any purchaser. In order to get refunds for any sales tax applied to the purchase, please follow your state rules and procedures for requesting sales tax reimbursement or rebates.
When do I get the free codes?
Once the UCPCOG receives proof of registration and purchase, you will be contacted within three to five business days to coordinate details for your additional account codes.
My bundle includes coaching. How do I schedule my appointment?
Coaching sessions are offered once a quarter and announced on the membership community message board. Keep an eye out for those updates. When sessions open, you’ll be able to sign up for a time that fits your schedule. If you have questions, just reach out to kskinner@ucpcog.org.