Connection Instructions
How to register and join in-person or online
- Register via Zoom to participate in the meeting online
- Register to attend in person
- Location: Room 108 at the Portland Building. 1120 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97204.
- In-person attendance will be limited to 40 people due to room capacity. Confirmation of in-person registration will be done on Fridays May 3 and May 10 and the day before the event.
Event recap
A space for dialogue
On May 16, 2024, the City hosted a public event designed to spark meaningful conversations about AI. Participants were invited to reflect on two key questions:
- What is a future with AI worth building?
- How do we ensure AI works responsibly for everyone?
The event included 90 minutes of open dialogue, with participants divided into small discussion groups based on their roles (industry experts, residents, or community organizations) and mode of participation (in person or virtual). Moderators facilitated these discussions, and City staff documented anonymous input to ensure all voices were heard.
Informative sessions
To help participants engage with the topic, the City offered two pre-event educational sessions on AI. These were recorded and are available in both English and Spanish on YouTube.
Participation and feedback
- Attendance: 20 participants joined online, 16 attended in person, and 84 individuals registered overall.
- Outcome: A final report was compiled with all comments and insights, lightly edited to protect privacy and improve readability. Download English or Spanish.
Key insights
- Skepticism and Concerns: Questions about AI’s trustworthiness and potential for misuse.
- Environmental, Equity, and Ethical Issues: Concerns about the impact of AI on marginalized groups and the environment.
- Polarization in AI Perspectives: Diverging views on AI’s benefits versus risks.
- AI in Governance: Skepticism around AI’s role in decision-making within City government.
- Digital Literacy: A recognized need for public education on AI’s capabilities and limitations.
- Examples and Applications: Practical uses of AI in areas like public services and civic engagement.
- AI as an Assistive Tool: Emphasis on AI supporting human decisions rather than replacing them.
Actionable recommendations
Based on participant feedback, the City identified the following steps:
- Develop an AI governance framework, including a charter, definitions, and best practices.
- Enhance transparency and public involvement in AI-related decisions.
- Safeguard jobs and support workers at risk through digital education and collaboration with experts.
- Define acceptable AI risk thresholds and address high-risk applications.
- Balance perspectives to avoid extremes in AI adoption, such as techno-optimism or rejection.
- Explore open-source AI for increased transparency and accountability.
- Prioritize AI applications that support human decision-making with oversight.
- Continue engaging diverse stakeholders to ensure equitable policy development.
About the event
The Smart City PDX program and the Office of Equity and Human Rights are opening a space for collective conversation and collaboration, where experts and community members can work together and contribute to the greater social good in Portland.
We will explore two main questions in this event:
- What is a future with AI worth building?
- How do we ensure responsible AI that works for everyone in Portland?
Technology is evolving very quickly, and local governments need to update policies and approaches to technology. Artificial intelligence is offering both great opportunities and risks to organizations and communities. The risk of multiplying social disparities or even creating direct harm to specific groups and communities is a space where we all need to pay attention, collaborate, and talk to each other.
This is a public call to Portlanders interested in AI, and experts and people interested in ethics, equity, technology, and social issues in using artificial intelligence responsibly and exploring alternatives to reduce its harms and impacts. Our intention is to create a space for conversation, crosspollination, learning, and understanding about technology.
This is a hybrid event. A light meal will be served at the in-person event. In-person capacity is limited, so register early!
Stay in touch for updates as we are also organizing two pre-session events on May 9 (in English) and May 10 (in Spanish) to introduce attendees to AI and its use in local government. We will also explain the dynamics of this main public event.
Proposed agenda
4:45 p.m. - Doors open
5 - 5:30 p.m. - Food is served
5:30 - 7 p.m. - Public conversation
7 - 7:30 p.m. - Social time and wrap up
About Smart City PDX
Smart City PDX is a program of the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability of the City of Portland, and its mission includes using data and technology responsibly to support a healthy, safe, more affordable, and prosperous Portland for everyone.
About the Office of Equity and Human Rights
The Office of Equity and Human Rights holds the City accountable by providing leadership and developing policies, practices, and procedures that dismantle systems of oppression and build equitable foundations for systemically excluded and institutionally oppressed Portland communities.
Services provided
Please let us know as soon as possible if you need special accommodation, ASL or interpretation services. Email us at smartcitypdx@portlandoregon.gov about any accommodations needed.