Accountability & Conversation
*This article was not assisted with AI or ChatGPT.
As we continue to watch the Beaverton Downtown Association’s lack of addressing the concerns of the community, we start questioning, how does one go about holding public figures and organizations accountable?
At Old Town Beaverton, we strive for fairness, transparency, and discussion. Both sides in this discussion need to be heard fairly. The community wants answers for the BDA’s use of AI in advertising, as this technology has shown direct correlation in growth of data centers around Washington County. These data centers are disproportionately pulling resources away from local communities at high rates. The community has legitimate questions and are following the lead of many that have spoken out at the Hillsboro City Council Meetings. Many are demanding public organizations to cease the use of AI, but with the BDA, they were merely asking a question. The Beaverton Downtown Association has declined comment via private emails, and now public questions. For an organization that is funded by the City of Beaverton, and thus community tax dollars, this lack of transparency is troubling.
Conversation is requires both sides to equally speak and listen. So far, no one from the Beaverton Downtown Association has been interested in a conversation. Many community members are simply asking for clarification. The simplest ask has been, “Why are you using AI when many artists can create advertising and images for you (some for free)?” This is a fair question. It is not an attack. It is not a violation of Terms of Use or even the clause in the BDA’s by-laws counteracting bullying. This is a logical question.
The community wants transparency. The community wants accountability. The community wants their public organizations to stand up for artists’ rights. Old Town Beaverton feels the need to advocate for this group as they are not being heard.
As of the publishing of this article, Old Town Beaverton has also been blocked on all social channels. We are privately funded by professionals with a backgrounds in journalism, advocacy, and change management. We are here to start discussions, hoping to provoke change or education. We are here for the community and to shine light on the true facts. The facts of this unnecessary filtering prove that the Beaverton Downtown Association is not interested in a conversation or to stand up for their policies and procedures when asked. As a community, how do you hold your public figures and organizations accountable if you can’t start with a discussion?
