AI-Powered E-Waste Solutions for Post-Industrial Cities

Join us for an engaging workshop featuring members of the newly announced 2025-26 SNF Agora Visiting Fellows, a remarkable group of journalists, artists, faith leaders, social scientists, democracy and human rights advocates, and policy experts who have come to Johns Hopkins University to explore critical questions about democracy and civic life. This workshop embodies SNF Agora’s mission to connect theory with practice and invite our community to think more broadly about democracy—what it looks like, who it serves, and how we shape it together.  

This month we will explore the intersection of AI, civic governance, and community impact with David Park, Director of Data and Business Analytics at the National League of Cities. David brings a unique perspective as a civic data strategist who has worked across local government, think tanks, and national policy. At the National League of Cities, he leads AI skills and analytics initiatives and has advised federal agencies on equitable data access.he leads cutting-edge AI and analytics initiatives and has advised federal agencies on equitable data access. During his time at SNF Agora, Park is investigating how AI can transform urban governance and enhance participatory policymaking in our democratic systems.  

Featured Project: AI-Powered E-Waste Solutions for Post-Industrial Cities 

Park will present his groundbreaking work developing an open-source AI tool designed to help resource-constrained cities like Baltimore tackle the growing e-waste crisis. With Americans generating 47 pounds of electronic waste per person annually, Baltimore alone faces an estimated 13,300 tons of e-waste yearly—representing both a significant environmental challenge and a $12 million economic opportunity.  Come learn how AI can empower local governments to transform environmental challenges into economic opportunities while fostering community development and democratic engagement. 

In-person and virtual
Registration required – location details and zoom link will be sent to registrants the day before the event