About this blog
You’re paying the AI tax whether you know it or not.
A few weeks ago, the two of us were among a group of people gathered to help shape thematic programming for AI upskilling in the DC region, this time specifically focused on civic engagement and the environment. (Full Disclosure: The Upskilling Labs, a nonprofit of which Sandra is a founding board member, organized the roundtable.) It was an energizing conversation, focused on the kind of thinking that happens when people are genuinely trying to understand challenges and solve problems around access, equity, and impact on marginalized communities, rather than simply talk about them.
At the same time, as engaged Washingtonians paying attention to the many candidates running for office in DC, we’ve been listening to how AI and its impact on the future of our workforce are showing up in public conversations. The candidates’ answers are surprisingly similar for such a novel and rapidly evolving issue. What stood out most was the gap between the thoughtful, solutions-oriented discussion in the AI Upskilling roundtable and what we were hearing in political circles.
When we compared notes and realized we were in the same place of wanting more depth and contemplation, we decided to do something with it.
We started this blog because we kept seeing a disconnect between how quickly AI is reshaping work, schools, government, and everyday life and how little space there is for thoughtful public conversation about what that actually means. We believe the people most affected by these changes should have a voice in shaping what comes next, not just the people building the technology or already positioned to benefit from it. We’re Erin and Sandra, two DC residents trying to ask better questions, connect the dots, and figure this out together.
Erin Palmer is a lawyer, a former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, and a former candidate for DC Council Chairwoman. She is the co-creator of TranspoBINGO and Sidewalk Palooza, grassroots efforts to drive engagement and meaningful change around public and active transportation and pedestrian infrastructure. She lives in Takoma, DC, where she organizes community-driven initiatives and spends her time raising the three Monsters (and Pizza and Coko).
Sandra Moscoso is an international development consultant supporting government, private sector and NGOs in strengthening institutional systems and human capacity building. She serves as a board member of The Upskilling Labs, D.C. Open Government Coalition, and Ward 6 Public Schools Parent Organization. Sandra lives in Capitol Hill, where she and her husband have raised two children.