Silicon Valley Leadership Group

Exciting news! The Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation, in collaboration with the Foothill-DeAnza Community College District, proudly announced the SVLG's Institute for California AI Policy (I-CAP) AI Fellowship Program. The program endeavors to empower a diverse workforce with the skills likely needed to thrive in California's booming innovation economy and will launch in the 2024-2025 academic year. Thanks to the , I-CAP fellows will develop cutting-edge AI and machine learning curriculum for Bay Area community colleges.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4e2xfvV

Silicon Valley Leadership Group’s Institute for California AI Policy Announces First-Ever AI Fellowship Program The Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation (SVLGF) has announced a new initiative to develop an innovative AI and machine learning curriculum for community colleges in the greater Bay Area. SVLGF will hire two fellows to create the curriculum with support from the Deloitte Foundation. SVLGF will...

SVLG’s 2nd Annual Tech & Innovation Summit — Igniting Innovation: Driving the Next Tech Evolution presented by Amazon is coming September 13.

The event will feature a Women's Leadership Series Spotlight Session, highlighting a fireside chat between California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) Director Dee Dee Myers and Aurora Innovation President Ossa Fisher, along with other dynamic speakers.

Join us for a captivating exploration of the technology’s transformative potential and register today at https://www.svlg.org/igniting-innovation-driving-the-next-tech-evolution/

A special thank you to our Thought Leader Sponsor, Amazon.com! Join us as we bring together leading AI experts from around the nation for a captivating exploration of the technology’s transformative potential at SVLG’s 2nd Annual Tech & Innovation Summit — Igniting Innovation: Driving the Next Tech Evolution on September 13.

With Amazon’s invaluable support, we’re poised to foster collaboration and the exchange of ideas to drive the next tech evolution. Secure your ticket today at https://www.svlg.org/igniting-innovation-driving-the-next-tech-evolution/

Caltrain is transitioning to an all-electric fleet, with the full launch set for September 21. Starting now, two electrified trains will be added weekly, offering faster, more reliable service that promises to reduce travel times and carbon emissions.

Caltrain inches toward electric fleet rollout Fully electric service is expected to begin Sept. 21.

Join us at SVLG’s 2nd Annual Tech & Innovation Summit — Igniting Innovation: Driving the Next Tech Evolution, presented by Amazon — on September 13. One of our featured sessions is inspired by the classic public affairs program - The McLaughlin Group.

This lively discussion will feature Leila Banijamali of Symbium, Anne J. Flanagan of the Future of Privacy Forum, Joe Hurd of 𝗦𝗢𝗦𝗩, Alyssa Simpson Rochwerger of Blue Shield of California, and will be moderated by Scott McGrew of NBC Bay Area.

They'll delve into the promise and pitfalls of AI technology. Looking behind the headlines, policy experts and business leaders will come together to explore the power of machine learning today... and whether our future will look more like symbiosis or the singularity?

Don’t miss out and register today at https://www.svlg.org/igniting-innovation-driving-the-next-tech-evolution/

The future of sustainable innovation is unfolding before our eyes, as demonstrated by SVLG member Waymo's recent milestone of providing over 100,000 paid robotaxi rides weekly. This achievement represents a significant advancement towards a cleaner and more efficient urban mobility system, as well as safer roads. Congrats, Waymo!

Waymo is now giving 100,000 robotaxi rides a week | TechCrunch Waymo disclosed Tuesday it's now giving more than 100,000 paid robotaxi rides every week across its three main commercial markets in Los Angeles, San

Join us at SVLG’s 2nd Annual Tech & Innovation Summit — Igniting Innovation: Driving the Next Tech Evolution presented by Amazon — on September 13.

The event will feature several leading public officials who are champions of our region's innovation ecosystem -- including San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, as well as California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) Director Dee Dee Myers featured in a spotlight session of our Women's Leadership Series with Aurora Innovation President Ossa Fisher.

Learn from AI experts from around the nation for a captivating exploration of the technology’s transformative potential. Register today at https://www.svlg.org/igniting-innovation-driving-the-next-tech-evolution/

SVLG CEO Ahmad Thomas recently signed the LRK pledge, an initiative designed to promote Love, Respect and Kindness and to help make our world a more civil place.

Special thanks to SVLG Executive Board Member Vintage Foster who is helping to lead this effort and is a steadfast community champion. Via LRK - Must Do Better.

To learn more:

LRK Pledge - Love Respect Kindness Why Pledge? This is where we move from good intentions to action. Change happens one pledge at a time. As we embody the LRK principles we can turn the tide. This is a movement that uses Love, Respect and Kindness to combat polarization. This is a first step to helping our communities be better, to h...

Exciting news! A historic $250-million public-private partnership was announced this week to empower local newsrooms, promote community journalism, and foster innovation. The initiative was spearheaded by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks in collaboration with Governor Newsom, philanthropists, and major tech companies, including SVLG member Google. It will provide ongoing financial support to newsrooms across California, with a focus on diverse, community-driven outlets, and will boost AI innovation and workforce development through the new National AI Innovation Accelerator. Click below to learn more. 👇

Assemblymember Wicks secures agreement with State, major tech companies to support the work of California journalists | Official Website - Assemblymember Buffy Wicks Representing the 14th California Assembly District SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks announced the establishment of a first-in-the-nation partnership with the State, news publishers, major tech companies and philanthropy, unveiling a pair of multi-year initiatives to provide ongoing financial support to newsrooms ac

Join us at SVLG’s 2nd Annual Tech & Innovation Summit — Igniting Innovation: Driving the Next Tech Evolution on September 13. One of our featured program elements will be a Women's Leadership Series Spotlight Session, highlighting a fireside chat between two trailblazing women in leadership: California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) Director Dee Dee Myers and Aurora Innovation President Ossa Fisher.

With California at the forefront of AI innovation, this discussion will explore the intersections of public policy, business competitiveness, and workforce development, showcasing how leaders like Dee Dee and Ossa are shaping the future. We have designed this session to encourage a dynamic exchange of ideas, culminating in a Q&A segment where you can directly engage with these influential women.

Don’t miss out on this inspiring conversation! Register today at https://bit.ly/3WWibt6

MEET THE SPEAKERS! On Sept. 13, SVLG’s 2nd Annual Tech & Innovation Summit – Igniting Innovation: Driving the Next Tech Evolution – will bring together leading artificial intelligence (AI) experts from around the nation for a captivating exploration of the technology’s transformative potential.

We're pleased to announce a number of our dynamic featured speakers - with more to come soon!

Register today at https://www.svlg.org/igniting-innovation-driving-the-next-tech-evolution/ and secure your spot.

According to new research from MIT's Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research and the Rhodium Group, the Inflation Reduction Act has sparked a manufacturing and clean energy boom across the U.S., mobilizing tens of billions of dollars of investment, particularly in rural communities in need of economic development -- via CNBC.

How the Inflation Reduction Act sparked a manufacturing and clean energy boom in the U.S. The IRA has had a transformative impact on U.S. manufacturing, according to the Rhodium Group.

Even amid the hottest July ever on record, there's good news for California's clean energy goals and grid resiliency. The grid recently hit the milestone of 100 days this year with 100% carbon-free, renewable electricity for at least a part of each day, according to data from Stanford University.

While there's still work to do, experts attribute this progress to "substantial public and private investments in renewable energy — particularly batteries storing solar power to use when the sun isn’t shining." Read more in CalMatters.

California hits milestones toward 100% clean energy — but has a long way to go Fossil fuels are still the largest source of electricity, but California has made progress with renewables while keeping the lights on.

With the next big shift upon us — the rise of AI — Silicon Valley and the greater Bay Area region remain at the center of things. As we approach a pivotal national election, SVLG CEO Ahmad Thomas lays out some of the key ingredients to continuing to strengthen our region's business competitiveness, including ensuring that the Bay Area remains the global hub of innovation, addressing the region’s housing crisis and increasing access to capital for a diverse set of company founders.

Read more in his latest op-ed via the The Mercury News:

Opinion: Keeping the Bay Area at the center of global innovation The region should host the next wave of technologies, address its housing crisis and diversify access to capital.

Congratulations to SVLG member San Jose State University! Tim McRae, SVLG's SVP of Sustainable Growth, was on hand yesterday to celebrate the new University's new student housing at Spartan Village on the Paseo -- in the heart of downtown San Jose.

The newest addition to SJSU's student housing stock will offer up to 700 student beds, including 124 affordable beds, and brand new amenities in a landmark downtown tower.

Click to learn more about this exciting new project via the Mercury News: https://bayareane.ws/3X3ZViC

A partnership between Nvidia and the state of California will bring artificial intelligence training to students, educators and workers. The state initiative, the first of its kind aims to provide the AI skills necessary for Californians to succeed in their careers.

Learn more via Silicon Valley Business Journal:

Nvidia partners with California for AI training - Silicon Valley Business Journal Nvidia will train 100,000 California students, college faculty, developers and data scientists through new state artificial intelligence initiative.

Great news for our region's innovation ecosystem! The Assembly Appropriations Committee today passed SB 1298, a bill authored by Senator Dave Cortese to expand data center capacity and bolster critical infrastructure, all while upholding California's rigorous environmental standards.

SB 1298 (Cortese) is sponsored by SVLG and supported by the Data Center Coalition (DCC). The legislation now heads to the Assembly Floor for a vote.

“We applaud Senator Cortese for his continued leadership in advancing crucial legislation to meet our region’s pent-up demand for data centers,” said SVLG CEO Ahmad Thomas. “SB 1298 would ensure Silicon Valley and the Bay Area remain the global epicenter of innovation, unleashing a fresh wave of high-ROI investments and generating thousands of jobs for communities across the Golden State.”

https://www.svlg.org/california-assembly-appropriations-committee-advances-landmark-data-center-expansion-bill-sb-1298-cortese/?preview_id=56097&preview_nonce=6fb4b49b03&preview=true

California Assembly Appropriations Committee Advances Landmark Data Center Expansion Bill SB 1298 (Cortese) SACRAMENTO (August 15, 2024) -- The California Assembly Appropriations Committee has passed SB 1298, a bill authored by Senator Dave Cortese to expand data center capacity and bolster the state's critical infrastructure. The legislation represents a significant investment in the foundation of the re...

The Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) and US Ignite recently announced that the City of San José has been awarded a $260,000 grant from TMF to explore advanced AI and computer vision technologies to improve local traffic safety.

This initiative will leverage these technologies to automatically detect road obstructions and other road hazards that may impact vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians.

City of San José Secures $260,000 Grant from Toyota Mobility Foundation to Make City Streets Safer Using AI and Computer Vision SAN JOSÉ, Calif., August 01, 2024--Today the Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) and US Ignite proudly announce that the City of San José, California has been awarded a $260,000 grant from TMF to explore advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and computer vision technologies to improve local traffic s...

Over the weekend, Tim McRae, SVLG's SVP of Sustainable Growth, and his samba group, Bloco do Sol, performed at the San Jose Jazz Summerfest. Thanks for sharing a photo, Tim!

Congratulations to SVLG member Waymo for their recent expansion to the Peninsula. The rapidly growing rider-only services are significantly safer than those driven by humans. SVLG commends Waymo on their continued efforts to safer roads and enhance the innovation economy.

Waymo expands ride-hailing services to Peninsula Expanded operations will cover 55 square miles of the Bay Area and connect to the Daly City and Colma BART stations.

The City of Fremont will transition its default electricity service to 100% renewable energy, following a unanimous City Council vote and subsequent approval by Ava Community Energy's Board of Directors. The vote makes Fremont the ninth Alameda County city to adopt the Renewable 100 plan, featuring 100% solar and wind energy.

Learn more:

Service Plans Residential Compare energy plans that East Bay Community Energy offers to customers in their service area.

A reliable water supply for Californians is essential for our health, homes, livelihoods, and economy.

In a recent
The Mercury News op-ed by David Bini, Executive Director of the Santa Clara & San Benito Counties Building & Construction Trades Council, and Tim McRae, SVLG's SVP of Sustainable Growth, they dive deep into the importance of the Delta Conveyance Project, a reliable water infrastructure to deliver water to two-thirds of Californians.

Read the full op-ed to learn more about the benefits of this infrastructure:

Opinion: Delta tunnel project will protect California’s vital water supply Modern, reliable water infrastructure is essential to our health, homes and livelihoods as well as the state’s economy.

In an op-ed published in Capitol Weekly, SVLG's VP of Tech & Innovation Peter Leroe-Muñoz echoes the concerns about SB 1047 expressed by Rep. Lofgren’s recent op-ed.

"SB 1047 presents overly-broad government regulation. Entrepreneurs, innovators and leading companies should not be expected to predict how their technology may be used by third-parties over whom they have no control. California legislators should promote innovation, not this bill."

Proposed AI regulations risk stifling innovation - Capitol Weekly OPINION - During the 2023-2024 legislative sessions, lawmakers have proposed over 5,500 new laws, many of which will have significant impact on the state economy. Senate Bill 1047 addresses artificial intelligence, and while it may be presented as erecting guardrails around technical challenges, it....

“Our influence, if directed in any manner — if directed toward politics, if directed toward revolutionizing technology — I think that influence is extraordinarily powerful. I always view Silicon Valley as not just a mover in the U.S., but I see the valley as a needle-mover for the world.” — Ahmad Thomas, CEO of SVLG via San Francisco Chronicle.

Silicon Valley is divided on Harris vs. Trump — and its richest investors could decide the election The contest for tech money is one more way the most consequential presidential election in generations could be decided by its connections to the Bay Area

SVLG member KPMG U.S. recently celebrated their third annual nationwide day of service, ‘Community Impact Day,’ an initiative dedicated to giving back to the communities where KPMG employees live and work.

“Community Impact Day brings our people together and gives us the opportunity as a professional services firm to make the difference by devoting our skills, resources and time to help transform our communities.” Paul Knopp, Chair and CEO, KPMG LLP.

KPMG U.S. Celebrates Third Annual Community Impact Day Partners & employees dedicate their day of service to supporting education, community vitality, and mental health.

As the leading business association of the innovation economy and its ecosystem, SVLG commends Representative Zoe Lofgren for standing up to protect California's tech and innovation economy and jobs, as well as helping California remain the world's leader in tech and innovation.

POLITICO Pro: Silicon Valley Rep. Zoe Lofgren slams California AI safety bill State legislation has garnered opposition from a prominent critic representing California in Washington.