2025 COMPASS Public Events
Upcoming Events:
2026 Education Series:
AI for Communities: Using the Right Tool for the Job
Presented by Dr. Tom Sanchez, Texas A&M University
Artificial Intelligence – AI – is a hot topic these days, with questions on when, where, how, and if it should be used in different circumstances. Join COMPASS as we welcome Dr. Tom Sanchez to share his expertise and insight into using AI to address the increasingly complex challenges that local jurisdictions face. Dr. Sanchez will share examples of AI applications, demystify its capabilities, provide examples of how it can be used to enhance planning, and discuss key issues such as privacy and responsible use of AI technology.
You are invited to join COMPASS for one, or both, of the presentations offered below; each will cover many of the same topics, but with a different focus and level of detail.
February 25, 2026: AI for Communities: Using the Right Tool for the Job
What could AI mean for your community? Dr. Tom Sanchez will share his expertise and insight into how local jurisdictions can use AI to tackle routine, predictive, and similar tasks. Learn what these applications could look like in your community and discuss the many issues local agencies must consider when deciding when or how AI should or could be used to improve efficiency and customer service.
- 5:30 pm Meet and Greet; 6:00 – 8:00 pm Presentation
- COMPASS, 700 NE 2nd Street, Meridian, First Floor Board Room
- Free!
- Intended Audience: All
- RSVP: [email protected] or 208/475-2226
February 26, 2026: Foundations of AI for Community Planning
Can AI help you be more efficient? Make better planning decisions? Provide better customer service? Join Dr. Tom Sanchez to learn how AI is already being used in the planning field and what else may be on the horizon. In addition to delving into the nuts of bolts of AI itself, Dr. Sanchez will also lead a robust discussion regarding the ethics of using AI, including privacy concerns, bias, and limitations. You will also have the chance to watch – or try your hand at – using AI to tackle planning tasks, such as summarizing public comments and evaluating “what if” scenarios. Bring a laptop to participate in hands-on exercises.
- 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- COMPASS, 700 NE 2nd Street, Meridian, First Floor Board Room
- Free!
- Intended Audience: Planning, transportation, and related professionals and elected officials, though all are welcome
- Space is limited – RSVP early!
- RSVP: [email protected] or 208/475-2226
3 AICP Certification Maintenance credits have been requested for this workshop.
Past Events:
COMPASS 101 – January 27 and 29, 2026
To view previous years’ Education Series events, visit our Education Series Archives webpage.