Virginia Beach, VA integrates AI-enabled chatbot into its VB311 citizen request service
The chatbot supports the VB311 team in handling approximately 1,000 chat requests from residents each month. This bot refers users to online resources and service request links based on its knowledge of frequently asked questions. Residents may also be referred to VB311's live chat for more complex requests. Virginia Beach asks the community to select the chatbot's name and logo from five finalists - Beachbot, Ask Neptune, Ask VB, VBBot, or Botsby.
Virginia Beach, VA
United States
Virginia Beach, VA is using Waze mobile app to communicate real-time road conditions information
The Virginia Beach Traffic Data-Sharing Partnership provides an overview of government-reported construction, crash and road closure data via the Waze mobile app. This real-time road condition reporting protects the public from major disruptions such as unplanned natural disasters or large-scale events. The crowd-sourced information gives the city's gives 311 and field personnel the ability to assess traffic congestion levels, road hazards, traffic light faults and potentially impassable roads.
Virginia Beach, VA
United States
Virginia Beach, VA new performance incentives for first responders help with recruitment/retainment
Virginia Beach City Council approved a new ordinance that offers performance incentives for first responders to help with recruitment and retainment efforts. The ordinance provides extra college money and bonus pay based on longevity for firefighters, emergency medical services, and emergency dispatchers.
Virginia Beach, VA
United States
Virginia Beach, VA accelerates startup growth in the region with The HIVE in Town Center
Early-stage businesses in the Hampton Roads region can work from shared offices at The HIVE. The city's Department of Economic Development works with partners like Fulton Bank and Tidewater Community College on customized training for participants. The HIVE hosts free workshops on subjects like customer service and project management. Entrepreneurs can also apply for loans up to $25,000 through the center's Small Business Capital Access Program.
Virginia Beach, VA
United States
Virginia Beach, VA generates feedback on new mobile portal through resident testing
The city asks residents to download the Android and iOS versions of the as-yet-unnamed app. Testers do not need specific technical skills to provide their feedback on the app's functionality. City IT staffers ask participants to use the in-app feedback tool to point out errors, helpful features, and potential additions. The final version of the app will combine digital services ranging from property lookups to bill payments.
Virginia Beach, VA
United States
Virginia Beach, VA requests virtual assistance via interactive map with point-in-time counts
The city's housing team asked residents to add their observations of unhoused residents prior to the January count. Each pinpoint included comments about the number of people, conditions, and dates observed by the user. Contributors to the map helped the Homeless Outreach Team better serve vulnerable residents. Virginia Beach amplified this interactive tool in 2021 because volunteers were unable to assist with the count during COVID-19.
Virginia Beach, VA
United States
Virginia Beach, VA invites residents to suggest changes to the proposed city budget online
The City of Virginia Beach is inviting residents to make budget recommendations online using the actual City Manager's proposed general fund budget. Residents are able to tweak the proposed budget and submit their suggestions to the city council through a Balancing Act website. The only rule for these suggestions is that the budget has to remain balanced.
Virginia Beach, VA
United States