Key Takeaways
- A new community coalition, Midland of Tomorrow, was launched by Eliel Rosa of Nehemiah220 Ministries to examine and regulate artificial intelligence (AI) use at the municipal level.
- The group formed in response to the recent approval of an AI‑focused data center in Midland and broader national concerns about AI’s role in warfare, education, and the economy.
- Members from diverse sectors—engineering, pastoral leadership, city IT, higher education, and local government—shared perspectives that highlight both the promise and perils of AI.
- Common themes voiced include the erosion of peer accountability, spiritual and moral dilemmas, the need for authentic human connection, and fears that AI will be monetized at the expense of public welfare.
- Future actions planned by the coalition include on‑the‑street interviews with Midland residents and a public town‑hall meeting in May to gather broader community input.
Introduction and Formation of Midland of Tomorrow
Eliel Rosa, founder of Nehemiah220 Ministries, announced the creation of Midland of Tomorrow, a grassroots coalition aimed at scrutinizing the local deployment of artificial intelligence and advocating for regulatory safeguards. Speaking at the inaugural gathering, Rosa emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating, “This is going to impact a lot… 44% of pastors right now in America are using AI to prepare their sermons. Teachers (are) using AI to provide assignments to students, (then) students use AI to respond to the assignments (and then) teachers use AI to grade the assignments. This is a change, this is a turning point.” The group’s mission is to bring together influential voices from across Midland to assess AI’s societal impact and to push for policies that protect community values amid rapid technological change.
Context: Local AI Data Center and National Developments
The formation of Midland of Tomorrow comes on the heels of the city’s approval of a major AI‑focused data center, a project that has sparked both economic optimism and apprehension about infrastructural strain and data privacy. Rosa linked this local decision to broader national trends, noting AI’s expanding role in military applications and recent public commentary from tech leaders such as Elon Musk. By situating Midland’s experience within these larger currents, the coalition seeks to illuminate how municipal decisions intersect with global technological trajectories, urging residents to consider not only immediate benefits but also longer‑term ethical and societal ramifications.
Engineering Perspective: Peer Accountability and Moral Neutrality
Hermann Eben, owner and managing partner of GR8 Solutions Group, contributed an engineering viewpoint, acknowledging his own limited use of AI for side‑writing projects while cautioning against overreliance. He argued, “When you have AI, you actually interfere with peer accountability, and peer accountability is absolutely essential in an environment where a culture (or) society can govern itself, because self‑governance is the most important thing in any government or organization.” Eben further warned that AI, unlike humans, is “morally neutral,” suggesting that without embedding transcendent, humanistic values into its design, the technology could undermine the very foundations of trust and collective responsibility that sustain functional societies.
Spiritual Perspective: AI as a Modern‑Day Temptation
John Bohacek, pastor at Harvest Time Church, framed AI within a spiritual narrative, describing it as part of an ongoing battle between light and darkness. He remarked, “In the Garden (of Eden), it was conversations with a snake, and I believe that’s what is happening in this situation.” Bohacek characterized AI as an “enemy” that humanity must overcome, cautioning that while many AI‑generated answers appear plausible and helpful, they may not embody truth. He urged churches to unite in addressing this challenge, advocating for discernment and reliance on spiritual guidance rather than uncritical acceptance of machine‑generated counsel.
IT and City Hall Perspective: Prioritizing Genuine Human Connection
Steven Sierra Alcabes, the process engineer officer for the city of Midland, could not attend the meeting in person but submitted a written statement read aloud by Rosa. Alcabes stressed that safeguarding humanity’s integrity hinges on fostering authentic interpersonal bonds, asserting, “My personal take on what can be done to ensure the integrity of what we call our ‘humanity’ is to push for more real human connections. The quality in the real and human connections that we build will make the difference between checking off boxes versus trust that can’t be faked.” His remarks underscored a belief that technology should augment, not replace, the relational fabric that underpins effective governance and community resilience.
Education Perspective: AI “Pockets” and Campus‑Wide Response
Crystal Velasquez, executive director of digital transformation at Midland College, shared observations about how AI is permeating student life. She noted that students have already formed “pockets” of AI users, creating uneven adoption across the campus. To address this fragmentation, Midland College has instituted an AI committee tasked with exploring both constructive applications and potential safeguards. Velasquez explained, “With this many people (on campus), we can’t keep track necessarily of who’s doing what and how… So, we’re trying to get together and start learning and get some best practices established. I would say we’re very early in the process.” Her comments highlight the collegiate effort to develop informed policies before AI usage becomes entrenched or problematic.
Governmental Perspective: Societal, Economic, and Mental‑Health Concerns
John Burkholder, a Midland city councilman‑at‑large, offered a cautious governmental outlook, detailing what he perceives as AI’s adverse effects on society, the economy, and mental health. He warned, “I imagine that they will (monetize AI), and (then) it no longer becomes about universal income and peace and harmony, it becomes about profiteering.” Burkholder argued that without serious conversation and clear guidelines, the pursuit of profit could eclipse broader public goods, exacerbating inequality and eroding community well‑being. His stance reinforces the coalition’s call for proactive regulation that anticipates and mitigates such risks before they become entrenched.
Future Plans: Community Engagement and Public Dialogue
Looking ahead, Eliel Rosa outlined Midland of Tomorrow’s roadmap, which includes conducting on‑the‑street interviews with everyday Midlanders to capture a diverse range of experiences and concerns regarding AI. Additionally, the group is organizing a town‑hall meeting slated for May, designed to provide an open forum where residents can voice questions, share anecdotes, and contribute ideas for responsible AI governance. By amplifying grassroots input, the coalition hopes to shape policies that reflect the community’s values while navigating the complex opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
https://www.govtech.com/artificial-intelligence/midland-texas-group-seeks-ways-to-regulate-city-ai-use