PROGRAM DATES:
February 6 – March 27, 2026
Select Fridays from 2:30-4:00 PM
VENUE:
CTA Innovation House
21 D Street, SE, Washington, D.C.
PROGRAM COST:
Free to attend for government staff.
Registration required.
REGISTRATION:
Space is limited.
Apply here to reserve your spot.
Join us in 2026 for the inaugural AV Leadership Academy. The program will provide public sector staff with up-to-date insights on autonomous vehicle technology as well as opportunities to connect and network with top industry leaders. Through the interactive workshops and networking sessions, participants will explore how AI is transforming mobility, examine the economic impacts of AV development, and dive into key topics including workforce development, trade, and global competitiveness. Upon completion of the program, attendees will receive an AV Leadership Academy certificate.
Why Register?
| Date & Time | Topics Discussed |
|---|---|
| Session 1 February 6, 2026 | Setting the stage: AVs + the journey from concept to reality In our inaugural session, we’ll kick things off with an overview of the program so participants know what to expect in the months ahead. We’ll also introduce some foundational concepts of the AV ecosystem, including the SAE Levels of Automation and the distinction between advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and full autonomy. |
| Session 2 February 27, 2026 | The science of safety: How AV technology works, from simulation to the street Safety is at the heart of every autonomous vehicle system. In this session, we’ll examine how sensors, software, and control systems work together to perceive and navigate different driving environments with precision. We’ll also look at the simulation, testing, and validation methods that ensure vehicles perform safely before they’re deployed on public roads. |
| Session 3 March 6, 2026 | Rules of the road: Policy, regulation, and economic opportunity in the AV era This session will examine how policy, regulation, and industry growth intersect to shape the AV landscape and the broader economy. We’ll review the current approach to state-level legislation, explore the potential of a future federal framework, and discuss how these regulatory dynamics impact innovation and investment. The conversation will also look at the broader economic picture, including the workforce impacts of AVs. |
| Session 4 March 20, 2026 | Real-world AV applications: Scaling and the path to market Autonomous vehicles are no longer confined to limited pilot programs; they’re beginning to transform how goods and people move every day. This session will explore real-world deployments across a variety of applications, from long-haul trucking to robotaxis. Speakers from leading AV companies will share firsthand insights into their operational challenges, lessons learned from scaling, and the importance of partnerships. |
| Session 5 March 27, 2026 | Prepared and protected: Addressing safety, privacy, and accessibility challenges As AVs scale, ensuring their safe and effective deployment is paramount. This session will tackle three key issues that sit at the intersection of technology and society: safety, data privacy, and accessibility. We’ll look at how developers are addressing cybersecurity and data protection, how AVs interact with first responders and other road users, and how technology can be designed to expand mobility access for all. |
Government Affairs Advisor
K&L Gates
VP, Policy and Regulatory Affairs
Plus AI
VP, Safety And Technology Policy
Alliance for Automotive Innovation
Regional Head of State & Local Public Policy
Waymo
Senior Director, Government Affairs
Aurora
Senior Director, Policy and Regulatory Affairs
Zoox
Government Affairs Advisor
K&L Gates
VP, Policy and Regulatory Affairs
Plus AI
VP, Safety And Technology Policy
Alliance for Automotive Innovation
Regional Head of State & Local Public Policy
Waymo
Senior Director, Government Affairs
Aurora
Senior Director, Policy and Regulatory Affairs
Zoox
Anyone currently employed at a government agency with an interest in automated vehicles is invited to register. We are not able to accept interns at this time.
Participants who attend at least 3 of the 5 sessions will receive an AV Leadership Academy certificate. Each session will be 90 minutes long, concluding with a networking happy hour.
No additional time outside of the sessions is required.
The program is free, but you must apply in advance.
The AV Leadership Academy is a series of expert-led workshops designed to give participants a comprehensive understanding of automated vehicle technology, policy, and real-world applications. Topics will range from technical foundations to policy, regulation, and the workforce.
Eligible individuals can apply by completing this form.
If you miss one of the meetings, don’t worry. We ask that registrants attend at least 4 of the 6 sessions to complete the program.
If you have additional questions, feel free to send us an email.