PubliCalendar: Jen Pahlka on Strengthening Our Digital Infrastructure
For Today
Powering a Better Government with Better Technology
People like to talk about improving our nation's infrastructure as a key step in bringing America up to speed and improving the safety and wellbeing of its citizens. But they are usually talking about our physical infrastructure: our roads, bridges, and electrical utility grids.
What of our digital infrastructure?
Jen Pahlka, former U.S. deputy chief technology officer, believes integrating new technologies into government systems will have a lasting positive effect. Think of the initial rollout of the Affordable Care Act's web platforms, and how an entire narrative against the ACA's implementation could have been negated on the outset as thousands of individuals enrolled in health care plans via an easy-to-use, functional website. Instead, it was exposed how government technology is still behind the private sector.
Pahlka will talk real-world examples of how to simplify government services through efficient use of new technologies, and how us civilian folk can help.
Bruce Schneier on Ending the Surveillance State
Did you know that the government and big corporations collect information on us daily? Thanks to Chelsea Manning and Eric Snowden, you probably did. But did you also know they monitor everything from your sexual orientation and employment status, to your personal text conversations and family relationships?
If you dare to find out how, Bruce Schneier, who has detailed all the intricacies of data collection in his book Data and Goliath, likely has the answers. In fact, Glenn Greenwald consulted Schneier during his Snowden reporting.
Whether or not this information is scary or useful to you (hopefully it's both), Schneier will also offer some tips on how to reclaim your privacy—and maybe topple the real-world version of Big Brother?
Advance Notice for March 10
March Transit Talk: Polling for Transit
If you're tuned in to conversations about transit in our city, you know we need more of it. Transit Talks, Transportation Choices Coalition's quarterly lunchtime forum, will present polling and market research, and divine what it tells us about the future of transit needs in Puget Sound.
This means that you'll get to hear EMC research, mayor Ed Murray, and Seattle city council member Mike O'Brien sound off on what all of those numbers and jargon really mean.
Attendees are encouraged to RSVP before the event in the form provided.
March Transit Talk: Polling for Transit, Tue, Mar 10, Noon, Seattle City Hall, Bertha Knight Landes Room, 600 Fourth Ave, Free with RSVP
Send the details to Atoosa Moinzadeh at [email protected]
