As 2023 draws to a close, sf.citi looks back on a year rich in innovation, collaboration, and community impact. This year has been a remarkable journey for us, highlighting the strength of partnerships and the power of collective action in shaping the technological and societal landscape of San Francisco. From spearheading initiatives in artificial intelligence to nurturing community engagement and dialogues with city leaders, our efforts have significantly contributed to San Francisco’s standing as a global hub of innovation and civic engagement.
Elevating San Francisco’s AI Leadership
Our involvement in key AI events like the AI Forward conference, in collaboration with Mayor London Breed and industry giants, was a defining moment in establishing San Francisco as the AI Capital of the World. This year we partnered with Bloomberg Technology Summit–which provided attendees a dynamic platform to address generative AI, social media evolution, driverless technology, and the broader intersection of tech and finance. Our partnership with TED AI for their landmark conference in San Francisco brought together sf.citi members and partners, including Annabel Chang, Head of State Policy and Government Relations at Waymo; Phil Pierce, Senior Public Policy Manager at Zoox; Dan Katz, Vice President of Public Policy at Hayden AI; and Deepti Rohatgi, Policy and CSR Expert, to strengthen discussions AI’s transformative potential in urban transportation.
Fostering Tech-Driven Community Initiatives
In 2023, sf.citi actively promoted events that showcased the intersection of technology and community engagement. The Amazon Web Services Non-Profit Community Roadshow, City Arts School STEAM Exploration Day, and the Trust Youth Initiative, backed by Google.org, are just a few examples of our efforts to highlight technology as a tool for social good. We encourage participation in fundraising for the Cameron House computer lab project, Mission Bit’s Coding Bootcamp, and Microsoft’s AI training programs, emphasizing our commitment to educational and digital empowerment. The TED AI For Good Hackathon and the Accelerate Hackathon, where we played a supportive role, underlined our belief in the power of tech-driven solutions for societal and environmental challenges.
Celebrating Our Members’ Achievements
This year, our members have been at the forefront of technological innovation and social responsibility. We took pride in recognizing Comcast’s initiatives during Black History Month and applauding Tekedra Mawakana of Waymo for her exceptional leadership in tech policy during Women’s History Month. The launch of Verizon’s San Francisco Innovation Lab, a symbol of our members’ pioneering spirit, showcased the cutting-edge advancements shaping the future of technology. The achievements of our members this year are a true reflection of the dynamic and forward-thinking spirit that characterizes the San Francisco tech community, demonstrating not only their commitment to innovation but also their dedication to creating a positive and lasting impact in our society.
Strengthening Dialogues with City Leadership
Our series of public policy briefings this year played a vital role in fortifying the connection between San Francisco’s tech community and city leadership. Through these sessions, we facilitated meaningful dialogues with influential city officials, contributing to a more cohesive and collaborative relationship. We’d like to once again thank San Francisco city and community leaders for their enthusiastic participation in our public policy briefings, including District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, San Francisco Police Department Chief Bill Scott, Sheriff Paul Miyamoto, and David Mauroff of SF Pretrial, along with Mayor London Breed’s Senior Policy Advisor, Andres Power, and Chief Economist, Ted Egan. These engagements also featured Sarah Dennis-Phillips, newly appointed Director of Office of Economic and Workforce Development, and Alicia John-Baptiste, President and CEO of SPUR. These interactions have been instrumental in aligning the innovative drive of our tech community with the city’s strategic objectives, leading to synergistic outcomes that benefit both the tech industry and the wider community of San Francisco.
Consistent and Informative Communication with Our Members
Throughout the year, sf.citi has been a steadfast source of information, delivering over 100 bi-weekly and monthly updates to our members. These updates have kept our community informed about important city hall activities, legislative developments, and shifts in the tech landscape. From facing issues like the tragic passing of Bob Lee, the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, and to engaging in new business tax reform discussions, we have ensured that our members stay informed and prepared for the changing dynamics of the industry.
Looking Ahead with Optimism and Determination
As we move into 2024, sf.citi is excited to continue our trajectory of growth and impact. We are committed to enhancing our services for members, advocating for the tech industry, and nurturing our relationships with city leaders. The coming year holds new opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and community engagement, and we are eager to lead these efforts. Our dedication to making San Francisco a beacon of tech-driven societal progress is stronger than ever.
Member Survey
We invite our members to participate in this brief 1-minute survey, which will be open through January 2024. We look forward to hearing your responses as we plan to curate new and exciting programming and better support your needs. Thank you for being a valued sf.citi member.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our members, partners, and the San Francisco community for their unwavering support and collaboration. Your contributions have been instrumental in our achievements this year. Together, we look forward to shaping a future where technology and community collaboration drive innovation and positive change in our beloved city.
– Alex, Rebecca & Kate
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