Citizen Engagement
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Pacifica, CA launches award-winning virtual assistant search tool, Rose AI
The City of Pacifica has introduced an AI-powered chatbot named Rose to improve resident engagement and service delivery. Rose assists with answering common questions, streamlining communication, and providing information on city services, thereby enhancing efficiency. This innovative approach has played a significant role in Pacifica earning the MISAC Innovation Award, reflecting its commitment to leveraging technology for better governance.
Pacifica, CA
United States
Palo Alto, CA pilots AI-powered city council summaries
The city of Palo Alto piloting new technology that will create AI-powered summaries of city council meetings. This technology will distill complex discussions into concise, easy-to-understand summaries, making it easier for residents to engage with local governance. The initiative seeks to enhance community participation and ensure that citizens are well-informed about local issues and decisions.
Palo Alto, CA
United States
Chicago, IL considers opening city-owned grocery stores
Chicago conducted a study to address the impact of recent closures of city-owned grocery stores on local communities. The study recommends the city pursue some version of a municipally owned store or stores — and finds such stores could even turn a profit. It also suggests the city not attempt to operate a supermarket itself, but rather partner with a for-profit operator, a nonprofit operator or a co-op.
Chicago, IL
United States
Worcester, MA relaunches upgraded online data portal
Worcester has reinstated and upgraded its online date portal, which had been closed for improvements. The revamped portal now offers a more user-friendly interface and enhanced features for scheduling city services and appointments. This update aims to improve accessibility and efficiency for residents interacting with municipal services.
Worcester, MA
United States
Bakersfield, CA launches AI-powered customer service bot
The City of Bakersfield has introduced an AI-powered customer service chatbot named Archie designed to assist residents with city-related questions and services. This chatbot is available 24/7 and can provide information on various city services, including trash pickup schedules, park reservations, and more. The city aims to enhance customer service accessibility and efficiency with this new tool.
Bakersfield, CA
United States
Worcester, MA revamps open data portal
Worcester has revamped its open data portal, Informing Worcester, to enhance public access to municipal data. The updated portal features over 300 data sets, including new interactive elements like StoryMaps, and offers daily updated statistics on various city services. This initiative aims to promote transparency and data-driven decision-making within the city, allowing residents to engage more effectively with municipal information
Worcester, MA
United States
Manchester City Council, GB launches People’s Panel for AI
Manchester has launched a People's Panel for AI to involve residents in shaping AI initiatives and address digital exclusion. Led by Manchester Metropolitan University and the City Council, the panel will provide education and training, allowing residents to influence AI deployment in public services. This initiative is part of Manchester’s broader Digital Strategy aimed at increasing access to digital services and empowering marginalized communities to participate in technological advancements.
Manchester City Council, GB
United Kingdom
Bridgeport, CT tests video-based citizen engagement system
The city is testing a new video-based system, Rep'd, that will allow its council representatives to to field questions from the public and share information. The six-month pilot will cost $12,000.
Bridgeport, CT
United States
Kitchener, ON Growing Together engagement campaign shapes the future of Major Transit Station Areas
Kitchener took a multi-faceted approach to shaping future developments at MTSAs with Growing Together. Online exercises on the Engage Kitchener platform asked for residents' favorite places and streets near ION light rail stops. Community members were also asked for comments on proposed Strategic Growth Areas supporting responsible development near MTSAs. In-person workshops and office hours used 3D-printed city models for informed discussions of growth proposals.
Kitchener, ON
Canada
Kwinana, WA turns resident ideas into revitalized spaces with the Wellard Village 7 Day Makeover
Local residents proposed, voted on, and planned public space improvements during a brainstorming session. The council developed a Resource Bank with donated materials and funds. Community members and city employees brought approved ideas to life during the one-week event. Natural play areas, an arcade, and additional seating improved a high-traffic area of the village called The Strand. Follow-up surveys and a post-event Place Game provided additional avenues for public engagement.
Kwinana, WA
Australia
Birmingham City Council, GB DIATOMIC Accelerator seeks digital innovation in city operations
The city-backed challenge asks small and medium-sized enterprises for innovations in four themes - data insights, performance, knowledge sharing, and citizen engagement. Proposed pilots will use digital services and data in areas ranging from asset management to fleet optimization. Birmingham and Connected Places Catapult offer £500,000 in funds to 12 selected applicants. The winning entrants also receive technical assistance and guidance from city departments.
Birmingham City Council, GB
United Kingdom
Auckland Council, NZ Future Fit tool for carbon footprint reduction expands into business community
Auckland Council introduced Future Fit in 2019 as an online tool for residents to measure and reduce their environmental impacts. A recently introduced version encourages emission-reduction efforts among corporate teams and small businesses. Future Fit uses questionnaires and national data to calculate personal footprints at the outset of participation. Companies track real-time footprint changes as employees complete 30 activities in six categories.
Auckland Council, NZ
New Zealand