Artificial Intelligence
Building Better Access: Portland’s GenAI Pilot for Smarter Permitting Appointments
Led by: Hilaire Brockmeyer , Cristy Rowley , Oden Schmit , Evan Bowers & Christopher Fan
- Describe a real-world example of how generative AI can be applied to improve a permitting process
- Identify human-centered design principles used in AI implementation
- Recognize common challenges and lessons learned in piloting AI in a public sector context
- Reflect on how similar approaches might be applied in their own agencies or departments
Hilaire Brockmeyer
Interim Business Solutions Division Manager, City of Portland, Oregon
Cristy Rowley
UX Researcher, US Digital Response
Oden Schmit
Digital Services Web Developer, City of Portland, Oregon
Evan Bowers
Digital Services Designer and Researcher, City of Portland, Oregon
Christopher Fan
Product Manager, US Digital Response
Format: Instructor-led
Date & Time: June 24, 2025, 2:00 PM ET
Duration: 60-minutes
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How can AI help public agencies improve access to services without increasing complexity for staff or residents? In this workshop, the City of Portland, Oregon will share how they piloted an AI-powered solution to streamline permitting appointment scheduling. With support from US Digital Response, the City took a human-centered approach to explore how AI could simplify access, improve accuracy, and support equitable service delivery.
City leaders will walk through the challenge they set out to address, the steps they took to develop and test their solution—including resident engagement and design sprints—and the results and lessons that emerged. They will also discuss how they partnered with external collaborators like US Digital Response to co-develop a practical, resident-focused tool. The session will include a demonstration of the pilot tool and space for discussion with participants exploring similar ideas in their own agencies.
This session is ideal for public servants exploring the responsible use of AI in resident-facing services, and for anyone looking to move from pilot to impact.
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