Tech and Innovation Series

The administration's recently-released AI action plan proposes significant reforms to permitting for data centers and related energy and water infrastructure. This session will explore what’s behind the surge in data center construction and how the acceleration of AI infrastructure rollouts could impact local infrastructure and economies. We’ll explore what local government leaders can learn from strategies being tested in impacted communities for working with state regulators and tech companies to manage this process.   Confirmed Speakers: Ian Linssen, Assistant to the City Manager, City of Mesa, Arizona Buddy Rizer, Executive Director, Economic Development, Loudoun County, Virginia Jordan Gerow, Director of Policy and Research & Ruby Wincele, Policy and Research Manager,Climate XChange Anne Evens, Chief Executive Officer, Elevate Energy

This session will help cities understand how accelerating adoption of autonomous vehicles by mobility providers, freight and delivery services, and consumers will create challenges and opportunities for city infrastructure systems. Participants will hear from transportation officials in cities where AVs are already operating in substantial numbers about the long-term issues raised by ongoing rollouts including: conflicts with vulnerable road users, impacts on traffic flow and congestion, shifts in time and location of EV charging demand, and data resources and needs for informed planning. The discussion will highlight where cities should consider AVs in infrastructure planning today and key areas of uncertainty where cities should maintain flexibility to adapt as AV-related impacts, risks, and opportunities become clearer in the future. Confirmed speakers: Rachel Castignoli, Senior Consultant, Austin Transportation and Public Works Stephanie Dock, D.C. Autonomous Vehicles Program Manager, Department of Transportation Story Bellows, Partner, Cityfi