GovEx Data Points

--- Why cities need faster, smarter decision-making and why empathy, judgment, and trust still matter most in the age of AI.

--- In this episode, Flowers reflects on his path from prosecutor to New York City’s first Chief Analytics Officer and explains how cities can use data to improve operations, break down silos, and better serve residents. He also discusses why governments are struggling to keep pace with generative AI, what today’s chief data officers need to succeed, and why public trust depends on competence, transparency, and accountability.

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--- Matt Sokol discusses why better data is the foundation for successful AI, smarter services, and public trust.

--- In this episode, Sokol shares how Washington, D.C. is breaking down data silos, improving data quality, and making open data more accessible through tools like DC Compass. He also reflects on lessons cities are learning from one another as they navigate modernization, transparency, and the growing demand for faster data-driven decision-making.

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--- Boston’s Chief Research and Data Officer, Shin-pei Tsay, shares how cities can shift from analytics to impact by focusing on user experience, transparency, and practical AI use.

--- This episode explores how the chief data officer role is evolving as cities move from experimentation to real-world results. Tsay reflects on Boston’s approach to using data and AI to improve services, from rethinking permitting to expanding access through open data tools. She shares why aligning teams around impact matters, how bringing people along during the process builds trust, and what it takes to make data more accessible across government.

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--- Justin Elszasz, former Chief Data Officer for Baltimore and GovEx advisor and CDO-in-Residence, shares what it takes to lead data strategy, navigate complexity, and guide responsible AI use in cities.

--- Part of our Meet the CDOs miniseries, this episode explores how the chief data officer role is evolving alongside the rise of AI, why data sharing and governance remain persistent challenges, and how cities can move from curiosity to practical application. Justin reflects on the realities of leading in city government, from breaking down silos to helping teams learn and adapt, and highlights the importance of focusing on real-world use cases that improve outcomes for residents.

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--- Melisa Breda, former Chief Data Officer for Buenos Aires, and GovEx advisor and CDO-in-Residence, shares a candid look at what it takes to make data and AI trusted tools of government.

--- Part of our Meet the CDOs miniseries, this episode explores how the chief data officer role is evolving in the age of AI, why strong data governance remains the foundation of innovation, and how cities can move from experimentation to real impact. Melisa also highlights the growing importance of trust, transparency, and human-centered change management as governments navigate uncertainty and public perception around AI.

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