DC AI Guide
Your guide to DC's AI policy community
Find the events, communities, and resources for getting involved in AI policy, governance, and civic technology in Washington, DC.
New to the space? Start here.
- 1Go to an event — AI Discussion Club walks are beginner-friendly and free.
- 2Join a community — Civic Tech DC connects builders and policy advocates.
- 3Follow a newsletter — Beltway Bits covers DC tech and AI events.
Upcoming Events
In-person and virtual gatherings in DC where you can learn, connect, and get involved.
The Future of AI-Driven Cyber Defense
A CSIS Economic Security and Technology Department discussion on the growing role of AI in cyber defense — examining how AI-enabled tools detect intrusions, automate threat analysis, and respond to attacks at machine speed, alongside risks around automation, escalation, workforce implications, and adversarial use of AI in offensive cyber operations. In-person and virtual.
Presented by CSIS
Workshop: Data Viz with AI
A hands-on workshop from Data Visualization DC where participants bring laptops to analyze a real local dataset and build AI-assisted data visualizations that communicate information more effectively. Hosted at The Filling Station in Arlington with refreshments from Ballston BID.
Presented by Data Visualization DC
The AI Doc Congressional Screening
A congressional screening of AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, followed by a live conversation on AI governance, safeguards, and innovation moderated by journalist Kara Swisher and featuring Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA). Co-hosted by The Alliance for Secure AI and the AI Policy Network.
Presented by Alliance for Secure AI
AI Primer: Neurotechnology, AI, and the Policy Choices Ahead
A SeedAI policy briefing on Capitol Hill examining the intersection of neurotechnology and AI — from brain-computer interfaces to neural data privacy — and the policy choices lawmakers face as these fields converge. Part of SeedAI's AI Primer series for congressional staff and the policy community. 2325 Rayburn House Office Building.
Presented by SeedAI
Addressing AI Infrastructure: Land, Water, and Data Center Policy
A Lincoln Institute of Land Policy briefing on Capitol Hill previewing findings from a forthcoming report on data center policy — exploring how communities can evaluate proposed AI infrastructure projects while weighing economic development and tax revenue against data centers' demands on land, water, and power. Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2043.
Presented by Lincoln Institute of Land Policy
Unpacking Chatrie v. U.S.: Data, Privacy, AI, and the Fourth Amendment
An R Street Institute webinar on the Supreme Court's Chatrie v. United States decision on geofence warrants and Google location data. A panel of legal scholars, civil liberties advocates, and practitioners examines the ruling's Fourth Amendment framework, its consequences for defendants and defense counsel, and the legislative and policy responses it may require. Moderated by Martha Minow.
Presented by R Street Institute
Learn About AI
Courses, newsletters, and blogs to build your understanding of artificial intelligence — from the basics to the cutting edge.
Mitigate Risks
Resources for understanding and reducing the potential harms of AI — from concentration of power to misuse and misalignment.
Maximize Benefits
Communities and programs applying AI for social good — in health, climate, civic life, and economic opportunity.
Career Guides
Overviews, FAQs, and roadmaps for breaking into AI policy — from entry-level to mid-career pivots.
Fellowships & Programs
Paid fellowships and cohort programs placing people in AI policy roles across government, think tanks, and industry.
Job Board
Open roles in AI policy, governance, and civic tech around DC — curated by the community.
Associate Program Officer, U.S. AI Policy
Help stand up Coefficient Giving's new U.S. AI Policy team, strengthening the organizations best positioned to shape how AI governance develops.
Posted Jul 8, 2026 · $254k
ApplySenior Program Associate, U.S. AI Policy
Support the founding U.S. AI Policy team at Coefficient Giving, helping build institutional capacity for thoughtful U.S. AI governance and durable, cross-partisan coalitions.
Posted Jul 8, 2026 · $189k
ApplyProgram Officer, U.S. AI Policy
Lead programs and grantmaking on Coefficient Giving's founding U.S. AI Policy team, laying the groundwork for thoughtful U.S. governance of AI.
Posted Jul 8, 2026 · $280k
ApplyChief of Staff, Public Policy
Drive operations and strategy for Coefficient Giving's Public Policy team and its new U.S. AI Policy effort under managing director Caleb Watney.
Posted Jul 8, 2026 · $167k–$248k
ApplyJoin a Community
Ongoing groups and channels where you can connect with others working on AI policy, governance, and civic tech in DC.
Public AI Slack
An open Slack community exploring how publicly-owned AI infrastructure can strengthen democracy and serve the public interest.
AI Discussion Club
Hosts outdoor discussion walks and meetups exploring AI's impact on work, society, and the future. DC-based and welcoming to newcomers.
Civic Tech DC
A community of technologists, designers, and policy advocates building technology for civic good in DC.
The Upskilling Labs
Open learning pods applying AI to health, climate, and civics — join anytime, no gatekeeping. Anchored in libraries and community spaces, serving underserved populations.
Claude Builder Club at UMD
An inclusive student community at the University of Maryland for exploring AI development, building projects, and learning about AI's benefits and risks. Open to all majors and skill levels.
Claude Builder Club at Georgetown
A Georgetown University student club for building with AI — workshops, hackathons, Anthropic-led panels, and hands-on projects. Open to students of all experience levels.