Hickory, NC launches 'Chip' AI virtual assistant on city website, phone and text
The City of Hickory has launched Chip, a generative AI virtual assistant on the city website and by phone or text at 844-461-CHIP. Powered by Citibot, Chip is available 24/7 in more than 70 languages and answers routine questions about city services, resources, events and meetings. Residents can start a conversation from the chat icon on the website or by calling or texting 'Hello' to the number.
Hickory, NC
United States
Grande Prairie, AB pilots AI voice assistant 'Riley' for after-hours city calls
The City of Grande Prairie is running an after-hours AccessGP AI pilot from Oct. 13 to Dec. 31, 2026. Residents who call AccessGP on weekends, holidays and after 6 p.m. on weekdays reach Riley, an AI-enabled voice assistant that answers common questions about services such as recreation, transit, roads and snow clearing, and captures inquiries for staff follow-up. Riley does not handle 9-1-1 calls.
Grande Prairie, AB
Canada
Montgomery County, PA launches AI chatbot 'Mo' to answer voter questions
Montgomery County has launched Mo, a generative AI chatbot on its voter services website that answers basic election questions, such as polling locations and how to submit a mail ballot, 24/7 and in more than 70 languages. Built with Charleston, SC-based Citibot, Mo relies only on verified information from the voter services website and county GIS, and does not gather or store personal information.
Montgomery County, PA
United States
Tampere, FI pilots AI-powered city guidance tool
The City of Tampere is partnering with Microsoft and local entities to develop the City Venue Assistant VIP Tampere, an AI-powered tool designed to improve mobility for residents and visitors by delivering personalized guidance through smartphones and headphones. The tool combines artificial intelligence, location data, and digital twins to tackle issues like congestion and navigation difficulties during large events. It will launch in a pilot program this winter at Nokia Arena.
Tampere, FI
Finland
Washington, DC launches AI-powered 'DC Compass"
Washington DC's Office of the Chief Technology Officer and Esri recently launched a public beta version of the ‘DC Compass’ which uses generative artificial intelligence to answer data-oriented civic questions and create maps from thousands of open data sets. Per Cities Today, "the launch follows a 6-month private beta which allowed DC to work with Esri to improve the software to provide intuitive answers to requests."
Washington, DC
United States
Modesto, CA to launch AI-powered chatbot
The city is moving forward with its first chatbot, which will make it easier for residents to get answers to their questions and to request services in 71 languages. Per GovTech.com, officials have approved a three-year contract with South Carolina-based Citibot. Modesto expects to go live with its chatbot, as well as redesigns to its website and GoModesto app, between March and June 2024.
Modesto, CA
United States
San Antonio, TX introduces Talkin' Broadway chatbot for improved outreach during construction
A one-year contract with Hello Lamp Post resulted in a chatbot specific to the city's Lower Broadway improvements. Visitors text Hello SA 3 to 210-802-2265 or scan QR codes on sidewalk signage to start conversations in English or Spanish. Talkin' Broadway answers questions about planned closures, directs users to affected businesses, and accepts feedback for city review. The chatbot generates anonymized sentiment data helpful in shaping future outreach efforts.
San Antonio, TX
United States
Fairfield, CA introduces Archie chatbot for enhanced customer support and communications
Archie is an AI-powered chatbot powered by Citibot and accessible from the city's website. Residents can report non-emergency issues like streetlight outages and potholes thanks to Archie's integration with the My FairfieldCA portal. The bot simulates human conversation in 71 languages to identify online resources and contacts appropriate for each conversation. City officials named the bot Archie in honor of the arch located on Texas Street.
Fairfield, CA
United States
Stafford County, VA develops Ask Blu platform for enhanced public communication and customer service
The Ask Blu platform features an AI-powered chatbot for around-the-clock answers to questions about public services. The chatbot and a mobile app are available for service requests through the county's 311 system. Additional resources in the platform include location-specific newsletters about county services and the Blu's Academy suite of citizen education videos. Local officials used the Great Blue Heron as the platform's mascot because of community efforts to protect their nests.
Stafford County, VA
United States
Derby City Council, GB connects residents to city services with AI-powered digital assistants
Derby City Council introduced chatbots Darcie and Ali during an April 2023 rollout. Both bots use conversational AI to answer questions and direct inquiries to the correct city departments. Residents speak with Darcie via the council's website and the main phone line. Ali helps visitors to the Derby Homes website. Digital assistants and digital kiosks at Council House provided after-hours services during a pilot of shortened reception hours.
Derby City Council, GB
United Kingdom
Stirling, WA deploys AI-powered chatbot for community feedback on local parks and facilities
Stirling and Hello Lamppost introduced Ainsley for public engagement during the design of its 10-year Community Infrastructure Plan. Signs with QR codes for the chatbot were installed at 42 locations including libraries, basketball courts, and community centers. Ainsley asks questions about visitor experiences, facility conditions, and areas of improvement by text message. The chatbot can also answer questions about city facilities and amenities.
Stirling, WA
Australia
Alameda County, CA develops chatbots for more accessible and efficient public services
Alameda County's first experience with chatbots was the in-house development of CACHe early in the COVID-19 pandemic. CACHe directs users to vaccination, testing, and support services available through county health partners. The Information Technology Development created an internal chatbot for employee help desk tickets. The ACGOV Chatbot introduced in December 2022 answers frequently asked questions from the county's main page, thus reducing call and email frequency.
Alameda County, CA
United States