AI and Machine Learning Technologies Managing Technology Operations

In the coming years more cities will be adopting AI and machine learning technologies to manage virtually every aspect of their operations including policing, housing, transportation, and public health. But even as cities adopt and deploy computational systems a key question emerges: what is their degree of readiness to address the challenges posed by algorithmic decision-making systems, including unrepresentative data sets, bias, and inadequate engagement with systemic inequalities? Drawing on a series of interviews conducted with eight departments across the city of Austin, Watkins will offer some preliminary perspectives from the data related to, for example, procurement policies, operations, and community engagement.