As artificial intelligence evolves and becomes more sophisticated, a growing number of cities are using the technology to respond to residents’ service needs.
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Fairfield has started using AI chatbots to field questions and 311 service requests. The city's bot is named Archie. It cost around $20,000. Communications manager Bill Way told the San Francisco Chronicle that Archie has saved the city many man hours.
Roseville will also start using chatbots to respond to residents’ needs.
“We’re hoping it improves efficiency from our end,” Roseville’s public affairs and communications manager told the Chronicle.
Roseville’s chatbots program, combined with additional software, will come with a much higher price tag than Fairfield’s — $375,595.
The Southern California city of Santa Clarita’s website has a chatbot feature. San Francisco also uses AI in a limited capacity.
The use of AI to respond to routine service calls is part of a larger trend in local government. Cities and counties across the country are trying to harness the power of AI to improve government speed and efficacy. But the technology also poses risks, and cities like San Jose have restricted its use among government employees.
Read more at the San Francisco Chronicle.