In this Forum conversation, our panel explored how local newsrooms can use AI to reduce repetitive work, strengthen original reporting, and better serve their communities while preserving human judgment. CalMatters shared how its Digital Democracy platform turns legislative data into reporting leads and personalized newsletters that help readers engage with their elected representatives. The San Francisco Standard described using AI for investigative document review, audience analytics, and app features such as personalization, audio, and mapped stories, with leaders modeling practical uses to encourage adoption. The LA Local highlighted translation and synthesizing community questions, while emphasizing transparency, source protection, and human review, particularly when serving vulnerable communities.

The GitLab Foundation, in partnership with OpenAI, held its second annual demo day to showcase 15 innovative grantee projects aimed at driving economic mobility. The event highlighted how artificial intelligence can be used to improve the lives of individuals by increasing lifetime earnings and reducing economic barriers. Project presenters, in order of appearance: Terrina Govender Heath, Director, Open Weather Initiative Shweta Bhogale, Lead Researcher, Development Innovation Lab Caitlyn Brazill, President, Per Scholas Lois Lupica, Lead Designer, Community Economic Defense Project Paul Gilson, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Community Economic Defense Project Ayush Chopra, Co-Founder, Iceberg Systems Cassandra Okechukwu, Chief Science Officer, National Association of Community Health Centers Harpreet Marwah, Product Lead, TruePath Navigator, Career Path Services Allison Johnson, Director, Open UI, National Association of State Workforce Agencies Kelly Smyth, Chief, Office of Workforce Data & Research, New York State Department of Labor Ai-jen Poo, President, National Domestic Workers Alliance Elza Monteiro, Home Care Council Member, National Domestic Workers Alliance Christine Heitz, CEO, Colorado Thrives Steve Lee, CEO, SkillUp Coalition Deborah Singer, Chief Marketing Officer, Moms First Mike Marriner, Co-Founder & President, Roadtrip Nation Myles Sutholt, Head of Product and Design, Field Intelligence Kavitta Ghai, Co-Founder & CEO, Nectir