AI for Impact: Inside LA’s Homeless Prevention Pilot Program
Presented as part of the Responsible AI Reading Group’s AI Policy Speaker Series, this event explores how data-driven tools and responsible AI are shaping local policy solutions to one of LA County’s most urgent challenges: homelessness.
Join Brian Blackwell, Senior Data Scientist at the California Policy Lab, and Claire Battis, the Lead Data Program Manager for the Homelessness Prevention Unit at the LA County Department of Health Services, as they discuss the groundbreaking Homeless Prevention Unit pilot program. Learn how predictive analytics, cross-agency collaboration, and proactive outreach are being used to inform smarter public policy and more equitable social services.
Expect a thoughtful evening of insights, candid dialogue, and actionable takeaways at the intersection of AI and public policy. Light bites and beverages will be provided, and space is limited to 35 attendees to foster a participatory and intimate conversation.
Agenda:
6:00 PM – Check-in & Welcome
6:15 PM – Presentation: Brian Blackwell shares insights from the Homeless Prevention Unit pilot program
6:35 PM – Fireside Chat: Brian Blackwell and Claire Battis dive into the policy design, impact, and future of the program
6:50 PM – Roundtable Discussion: Interactive dialogue with attendees on policy implications and innovation
7:30 PM – Wrap-Up & Networking
Speaker Bios:
Brian Blackwell, Senior Data Scientist, California Policy Lab
Brian's research interests are at the intersection of public policy, predictive modeling, and causal inference. Brian has led California Policy Lab’s data science research on a wide range of projects related to homelessness in Los Angeles, including homelessness prediction and prevention pilot programs in partnership with the LA County Department of Health Services and Department of Public and Social Services (DPSS); causal studies on the impacts of time-limited rental subsidies on homelessness; and a project to use data science to improve the accuracy and equity of the VI-SPDAT screening tool used to allocate housing resources in LA.
Claire Battis, Lead Data Program Manager, Homelessness Prevention Unit, LA County Department of Health Services
Claire Battis is the Lead Data Program Manager for the Homelessness Prevention Unit at the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. Since joining the Unit in 2022, she has led the development and implementation of internal data operations, including performance measurement, data governance, staff training, and quality improvement efforts. In addition to holding a Master of Social Welfare degree, she has a decade of experience conducting research and evaluation for government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
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