A chat with Ahmad Thomas of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Today we welcome Ahmad Thomas, CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, an association that represents hundreds of technology and innovation companies in the birthplace of the computer revolution. Thomas joined SVLG in 2020 and has overseen his organization’s efforts to encourage Sacramento to implement thoughtful AI policies that won’t “stifle innovation.” He is no stranger to legislative oversight – Thomas got his start as an aide to Senator Dianne Feinstein, an experience he cites as the foundation of his career.

4:46 Labor shortages in law enforcement

5:38 Ahmad Thomas

6:40 How was the year for tech?

9:04 The legislature

14:32 “You can’t eat GDP”

19:00 How are perceptions of AI changing?

21:02 Municipal governments and AI

22:00 Data centers

24:44 Origin story

29:13 Maintaining Silicon Valley’s competitive edge

37:13 Anti-tech backlash