The MDA will host a 3-part webinar series, AI and Downtowns- The What, How, Ethics, and Best Practices.
Registration for the 3-part webinar series is available to members of the MDA.
All webinars will be recorded and available to paid registrants to view until November 20, 2026.


The session dates are as follows, all taking place LIVE from 11 am-12 pm EST:
• Thursday, May 7 - Introduction to AI: the Basics
• Thursday, May 14 - Ethics and Biases: How to use AI Responsibly
• Thursday, May 21 - How to Apply AI to Downtown Management

Session 1, May 7
INTRODUCTION TO AI: THE BASICS
Join us team members from McKenna 'demystify' AI, specifically Generative AI. This session will give you the knowledge and tools to make an informed decision in the event you wish to use Generative AI, and, if so, how to do so responsibly. This webinar will also dive into basic and common tools that have become most well-known, such as ChatGPT. Participants will learn how to use these tools in everyday lives.
• What is AI?
• How can it be used?
• Types of basic tools that are available


Session 2, May 14
ETHICS AND BIASES: HOW TO USE AI RESPONSIBLY
Our friends from McKenna will be back for Session 2 and build from the introductory lession through the lens of ethics and biases, providing members with a deeper background and understanding of how to use these tools in an informed way. It will provide further detail on topics such as reliability, accuracy, risks, transparency,and example policies.

Session 3, May 21
HOW TO APPLY AI TO DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT (DDA DIRECTOR OR CITY MANAGER)
The webinar will feature, Nate Mack, director of the Berkley Downtown Development Authority. Nate will give live demonstrations on how he uses AI platforms to enhance his work as a downtown director.

A link to the webinars will be sent to registrants on May 6.