Webinar Recap — Modernizing Government with AI: Startup Founders on Transforming the Public Sector

Featuring our very own Jacob Herrington, Co-founder of Ordinal, and our guest Gavin Baum-Blake, Founder of City Detect, this webinar explored how each of their companies are using AI to modernize government operations, enhance efficiency, and address critical challenges faced by municipalities. The discussion, moderated by Grace Gill, provides valuable insights into the unique approaches each company is taking and their shared vision for the future of AI in the public sector.

Key Takeaways

• Data Collection and Accessibility: The discussion highlighted the importance of both effective data collection and ensuring that data is accessible to those who need it. City Detect focuses on collecting & providing insights on visual data through computer-vision and AI, while Ordinal focuses on making mountains of data easily accessible & actionable through our AI research assistant.    
• Solving Real-World Problems: Both Jacob and Gavin emphasized the importance of using AI to address tangible challenges faced by local governments. For City Detect, this means tackling issues like urban blight and illegal dumping, while for Ordinal, it involves streamlining complex processes and improving access to information for city planners and other government employees.   
• The Importance of Collaboration and Alignment: Each founder discussed the need for collaboration between different city departments and the importance of aligning incentives to achieve desired outcomes. Jacob used the analogy of a "Rosetta Stone" to describe Ordinal's role in facilitating communication and understanding between different parties.   
• Keep a "Human in the Loop": Both emphasized the importance of responsible AI use, including the need to keep a "human in the loop" and the recognition that AI is a tool to aid decision-making, not replace it. They also highlighted the need for education and collaboration with cities to ensure AI is implemented effectively and ethically.
• AI for Social Good: Both of us are driven by a mission to create positive social impact. City Detect aims to beautify communities and address urban blight for those living there, while we at Ordinal strive to improve government processes and create better outcomes for residents & businesses.   

Connect and Learn More

We hope you enjoyed the webinar and urge you to learn more from for our friends at City Detect. 

Likewise, please connect with us on LinkedIn to help spread the word about Ordinal! 

If you want to learn more, check out our YouTube channel to see previous webinars and other videos. Of course, we're always happy to meet, walk you through a demo, and answers any questions you have — let us know if you're interested! 

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