Transforming Public Service through AI with CTO Rob Lloyd and Joe Nguyen

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Rob Lloyd, Chief Technology Officer of the City of Seattle, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to discuss Seattle's groundbreaking approach to implementing artificial intelligence in municipal government. Lloyd shares his journey from serving multiple cities across America to spearheading one of the nation's most progressive urban AI initiatives, revealing how Seattle is transforming public services through thoughtful technology adoption.

From traffic safety innovations to permitting process overhauls, Lloyd offers a candid look at the successes and failures of Seattle's AI pilots, including the surprising revelation that 80% of initial experiments didn't stick.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Joe Nguyen, Director of Commerce for Washington State, joins to discuss statewide AI efforts, creating a rare dialogue between city and state technology leaders. If you're interested in understanding how government can responsibly deploy AI to serve communities better, this episode provides practical insights from leaders navigating the complex intersection of public service, technology, and trust.

Chapters

[00:00] Introduction and Rob's Journey to Seattle

[03:30] Career Path Through Multiple Cities

[06:45] Growing Up in a Military Family

[09:15] First Jobs and Character Building

[12:00] Seattle's AI Plan Genesis and Evolution

[16:30] Policy Framework and Community Trust

[20:15] Pilot Programs: Success and Failure Rates

[24:45] Traffic Safety and Game Theory Applications

[28:00] Permitting Process Transformation

[32:30] Special Guest: Joe Nguyen from Washington State

[35:15] State-Level AI Implementation at Commerce

[38:45] Cultural Shifts and Future Vision

Connect with Rob Lloyd

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/rob-lloyd-cto-seattle/

Connect with Joe Nguyen

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/meetjoenguyen/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

Email: info@shiftai.fm