SAVI Talk: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of City Governance

3:00-5:00p.m. (PT) | Link to register. 

Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from theory to practice inside city governments—but what does that actually look like, and what comes next?

Join us for a dynamic, in-person conversation bringing together leading researchers and city practitioners to explore how AI is reshaping urban governance, mobility, and public services. This event bridges cutting-edge academic insight with real-world municipal experience, offering a rare opportunity to hear how cities are experimenting with AI today—and how they can do so responsibly tomorrow.

This hybrid program will feature short presentations from Dr. Junghwan Kim (Virginia Tech) and Dr. Yongsung Lee (UC Davis), who will examine how AI is influencing public-sector decision-making, transportation systems, and long-term urban planning. Their talks will set the stage for a moderated panel discussion with Keith Hertzberg of the City of San José, who will share firsthand perspectives on the opportunities, constraints, and lessons learned from applying AI within city operations.

Together, the panel will address critical questions such as:

• Where can AI meaningfully improve city services today?

• What organizational, ethical, and governance challenges must cities navigate?

• How can research and practice work together to support equitable and trustworthy AI adoption?

Whether you are a student, researcher, city professional, or community member interested in the future of cities, this event offers a grounded, forward-looking look at how AI is shaping the next generation of urban governance.

*MTI is a proud co-sponsor of this event.

*1 PDH credit available