Opinion: Smarter Tools, Stronger Service

What do you think of when you hear the term Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Do you fear a Terminator-like future where evil robots replace humans? Or does it get you excited about the possibilities to solve our world’s problems, offering unprecedented breakthroughs in creativity and thought? The technology that makes AI so powerful can be unsettling, but when designed and deployed responsibly it can significantly improve our lives. This holds huge potential for the way cities serve our residents.

AI is transforming the way cities around the world operate, including right here in Riverside. This technology is being used for all sorts of city functions like providing better customer service and streamlining city services. AI holds enormous potential to make local government more accessible, responsive, and efficient for the people we serve. Riverside is embracing these tools thoughtfully and responsibly, ensuring that innovation is always paired with accountability and care for our community.

One of the first big steps we have taken is the launch of Rivy, our new AI-powered chatbot on the City’s website. Rivy is available 24/7 to answer common questions, connect residents with city services, and provide quick access to information that might have previously required a phone call or in-person visit. You can ask Rivy all sorts of things. You can find out what permits you might need or get details about upcoming community events. Rivy is designed to make life a little easier and save residents valuable time.

But Rivy is just one application. Across city departments, we are actively exploring how AI can improve the way we serve Riverside residents. Some examples include:

1. Public Safety Support: The Riverside Police Department has begun using AI tools that classify descriptions to help accelerate investigations through the Real Time Crime Center. These tools are not replacing the work of officers but instead giving them better resources to keep our community safe while improving response times. Importantly, these tools are being used with strong oversight and a commitment to transparency.
2. City Operations: The City is also using AI to make day-to-day operations more efficient. This automation saves hundreds of labor hours every year, speeding up processing and freeing staff to focus on higher-value work instead of repetitive data entry.
3. Economic Development: Riverside’s growing reputation as a hub of innovation makes us an attractive place for AI-related companies and startups to invest. By demonstrating that we are forward-thinking, we open new opportunities for jobs, partnerships, and educational pathways for our young people.
4. Community Engagement: We are also using AI tools to better understand community input. By analyzing survey responses and feedback from residents, we can identify themes and concerns more quickly, ensuring that your voices are at the center of our decisions.

While these developments are exciting, we must proceed cautiously and responsibly. Safeguards for privacy, accuracy, and fairness are built into every AI project we pursue. Our goal is not to replace people, but to empower them with better tools. Technology should always serve humanity, not the other way around.

Riverside has always been a city of innovation. We pioneered California’s citrus industry and are currently leading the region and state in sustainability, higher education, and clean energy. Embracing AI is the next step in that proud tradition. With careful planning and community trust, we can ensure that these tools strengthen our city and bring real, tangible benefits to residents.