The Partnership for Public Service · 1100 New York Ave. NW ·

Suite 200 East · Washington, DC 20005

6:30pm – 8:00pm Presentation & Discussion by Frank Principi

The advent of unmanned aircraft systems (“drones”) presents very significant commercial, safety and recreational challenges and opportunities in the US and around the world! There are an estimated 1.7 million drones in operation today – growing to an estimated 2.6 million by 2026. The exponential growth of this technology has provided new jobs, an expanded tax base, and a wide-range of quality-of-life benefits. It has also created complex new issues for federal, state, and local officials and governments. Some of the issues involve:

(1) public safety

(2) privacy

(3) law enforcement surveillance 

(4) preventing terrorism

(5) workforce development and training

At the federal level, how are drones included in agencies (such as FAA, DOD, DOL, DHS, and DOJ) strategic plans? Also, what collaboration is taking place among these agencies regarding this emerging technology and this issue listed above? How are agencies focusing on  ethical issues around drones?

Small, unmanned aircraft are required to be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). But there are many challenges to this, and as a result many drones that should be registered are not. As directed in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, DOT has contracted with the National Academy of Public Administration to assess the compliance and effectiveness of the FAA’s registration program for small unmanned aircraft, focusing on FAA’s Interim Final Rule published in December 2015. The study will examine the information collected by FAA, the regulatory environment, organizational capacity, and how non-compliance is determined, including the role and responsibility of local law enforcement.

Frank Principi, a senior advisor on the study, will discuss aspects of drone technology, FAA’s registration program, and conduct a “show and tell” with his own personal drone. Participants will be asked to share their perspective of the challenges and opportunities of drones and to offer recommendations on how to ensure drones continue to be registered, flown safely, and provide new and innovative quality-of-life solutions.             

Presentation by:

Frank Principi is a seasoned management consultant and trusted advisor to c-suite clients in public, private, and non-profit corporations around the world, and is a crisis management expert. He is serving his third term on the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, where he is leading efforts to build public and private sector infrastructure – roads, schools, water/sewer, natural gas, electric, and telecommunications – in this rapidly growing jurisdiction. He has served on several regional and state bodies, including the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (Chairman 2012), National Capital Region Emergency Preparedness Council (Chairman 2013, 2015), Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (Chairman 2016-2017), Northern Virginia Regional Commission, Virginia Association of Counties and Potomac Hospital. He also chaired Prince William’s Future Commission 2030. 

In the past, Frank served on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and its Subcommittees on Transportation, Telecommunications, and Finance. His state government experience includes work with the National Governors Association, including the Governors’ response to 9/11. Among his many honors, Frank is the recipient of three Businessman of the Year awards from the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, Arlington Diocese, and Prince William Living Magazine.

The event is free but registration is required.

Light snacks and refreshments will be served.

The Partnership for Public Service · 1100 New York Ave. NW · Suite 200 East · Washington, DC 20005

6:00pm – 6:30pm Social

6:30pm – 7:30pm Program

A major “wicked problem” at the national state and local levels of governments and many nonprofits is affordable housing. There is not enough needed affordable housing available.

However, building and maintaining needed affordable housing challenges the financial and intellectual capabilities of governments and communities. Recently, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ adopted three housing targets for the Metropolitan Washington DC area between 2020 and 2030. One of the targets was “At least 75% of new housing should be affordable to low- and middle-income households.” Achieving this target as well as the other two targets will require a lot of commitment, dedication and innovation by the District of Columbia and the local governments in Maryland and Virginia.

 The National Capital Area Chapter of ASPA will sponsor a discussion on affordable housing focusing on such questions as:

 (1) What is, or should be, the accountability mechanism for achieving this target?

(2) What tools will be needed to achieve this target?

(3) What are the equity issues around this target and how should they be addressed?

(4) What type of non-financial incentive might serve to encourage increasing needed housing supply?

 Bring your thoughts, ideas and knowledge to this exciting discussion on one of the nation’s and local and state governments’ wicked problems.

The event is free but registration is required.

Light snacks and refreshments will be served.

The Partnership for Public Service · 1100 New York Ave. NW · Suite 200 East · Washington, DC 20005

6:00pm – 6:30pm Social

6:30pm – 7:30pm Program

The increasing use of AI in public administration raises many ethical challenges, not the least of which is ensuring that the decisions made by these systems are consistent with the legal requirements and norms of  the field.  

The National Capital Area Chapter of ASPA will sponsor a discussion on this topic with Professor Pricilla Regan, Professor of Government and Politics at the Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University.  Dr. Regan recently co-authored a chapter titled, “A Public Administrator’s Practical Guide to Ethics and Artificial Intelligence” in The National Academy of Public Administration’s study of the impact of AI in the field. 

The event is free but registration is required.

Light snacks and refreshments will be served.

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm –  Networking

Come cool off with your fellow public servants!

Every quarter, join fellow ASPA-NCAC members for an informal social gathering. Meet new members, catch up with old friends, network and socialize.

Fire & Sage Restaurant

(Located in the Washington Marriott at Metro Center)

Address: 775 12th St NW, Washington, DC 20005.

(Down the block from the 12th Street exit at Metro Center)

Space is limited. Please RSVP.

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm –  Networking

Every quarter, join fellow ASPA-NCAC members for an informal social gathering. Meet new members, catch up with old friends, network and socialize.

Get together with your fellow public servants as we mark the beginning of Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW).

Mark you calendars for additional gatherings on August 1st and November 7th. Details will be provided closer to these events.

Fire & Sage Restaurant

(Located in the Washington Marriott at Metro Center)

Address: 775 12th St NW, Washington, DC 20005.

(Down the block from the 12th Street exit at Metro Center)

Space is limited. Please RSVP.

Partnership for Public Service offices, 1100 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20005. 

6:00pm – 8:00pm Discussion