From Silicon Valley to City Hall: Exploring GovTech

In this episode of the Capstone conversation, hosted by Jared Asch, the focus is on innovation in government technology (GovTech). The guest is Manveer Sandhu, a Fairfield, California, city councilman with a background as a technology executive and Air Force reservist. The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities in adopting new technologies in government, including AI's role in improving efficiency without replacing jobs. Sandhu underscores the need for better communication between government and citizens, the potential of AI to streamline operations, and strategies for startups to enter the GovTech market. He calls for more flexible, shorter-term contracts and increased engagement between cities and innovative companies. Sandhu shares his journey in politics and technology, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, citing examples like Abraham Lincoln. He discusses the intersection of national security and local governance, highlighting the economic impact of Travis Air Force Base on Fairfield. The talk concludes with a discussion on simplifying and enhancing inter-agency information sharing.