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LISTEN: Seattle IT’s Interim CTO Jim Loter talks AI on GeekWire podcast

It’s been a big year for artificial intelligence (AI) so far. After the research laboratory Open AI released a preview of the AI chatbot ChatGPT in November 2022, public familiarity with AI software began to rise sharply. Tech companies scrambled to capitalize on the moment. By the end of February 2023, Microsoft… [ Keep reading ]

$545,000 in technology grants awarded to community groups to support digital literacy 

The City of Seattle is awarding $545,000 in Technology Matching Fund (TMF) grants as it continues its work to expand digital literacy and close the technology gap in our community. This year, 18 organizations will receive funding to support their projects. The community match contribution is valued at over $135,000… [ Keep reading ]

Seattle Tech Access Study hits a milestone with more than 4,000 Responders

Almost 4200 residents completed the City of Seattle’s recent Technology Access and Adoption community survey. Thank you to all those residents. Your voice matters! With their responses, we now have data to tell the story of how connected and technologically healthy we are as a community, and where challenges to… [ Keep reading ]

Everyone is invited to the second annual City of Seattle Juneteenth event 

On Monday, June 19, a tradition will continue with the 2nd annual Juneteenth event at Seward Park. It will be a celebration for City employees, their families, and all others who want to come and celebrate the official end of slavery in 1865. The gathering provides colleagues and the community… [ Keep reading ]

Key Digital Equity Resolutions Passed by US Conference of Mayors

By Jim Loter, Interim Chief Technology Officer, Seattle Information Technology At the 91st meeting of the United States Conference of Mayors in Columbus, Ohio, last weekend, Mayor Bruce Harrell’s Technology and Innovation Committee approved a number of important resolutions that were adopted by the organization. Two of these resolutions are… [ Keep reading ]

Seattle’s CiviForm tool named one of the 50 most transformative smart projects of 2023  

The City of Seattle’s CiviForm, a unified application tool, was named one of the 50 most transformative smart projects of 2023 by Smart Cities Connect. CiviForm is an open-source tool that makes it easier for residents and their trusted community-based organizations to find and apply to discount and benefit programs.  … [ Keep reading ]

Seattle Channel wins 5 Northwest Regional Emmy Awards 

NEWS RELEASE FROM SEATTLE CHANNEL  Seattle Channel recognized for storytelling in arts/entertainment, diversity equity inclusion, and more!  SEATTLE (June 5, 2023) Seattle Channel is the recipient of five Northwest Emmy Awards in the categories of arts/entertainment, business/consumer, diversity equity inclusion, human interest, and video essayist. The winning programs include an Art Zone… [ Keep reading ]

City of Seattle Adopts Generative AI Policy

In April, the Seattle Information Technology department issued an interim policy to provide guidance for City of Seattle employees to reduce the risks and mitigate potential harms of generative AI systems. Earlier this week, Seattle’s actions on this topic were featured by Government Technology in the article “Boston, Seattle Issue… [ Keep reading ]

Seattle Annexation Map gets new life from the City’s GIS team

The Seattle IT department would be remiss if we did not acknowledge that we are on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present, and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe. Seattle is a bustling city known for technology,… [ Keep reading ]

Seattle IT’s work to support the One Seattle Day of Service

In April, Mayor Harrell announced that this year’s One Seattle Day of Service will take place on Saturday, May 20. This is a City-sponsored event that invites every Seattle neighbor to roll up their sleeves, come together, and give back to the community by signing up for a volunteer opportunity… [ Keep reading ]