Local governments are increasingly facing STEM-related challenges such as climate resilience, election security, technology for community safety, public assistance programs, and vaccine policies. Advances in technology and engineering present real opportunities to improve these government services, but local policymakers are often ill-equipped to handle them and the associated social, legal, and political questions. Because engineers with relevant technical backgrounds are often best able to understand the risks, and opportunities, of new technologies, these questions present high-impact opportunities for engagement. However, engineers often don’t engage at the local level, and, when they do, too often they aren’t working in collaboration with other community stakeholders. This ESAL session at the Society of Women Engineers' WE22 conference will feature perspectives from both local policymakers and engineers, which, in combination with ESAL resources, will provide attendees with concrete steps to effectively engage in their communities.

Location: George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, TX 77010