The city of Santa Clarita has launched the new version of the city’s website to offer an improved user experience — with some support from AI.
The revamped website, which launched Monday, brings a modern appearance and dashboard-style navigation, while also including the integration of AI through the Ask Sammy chatbot.
Ask Sammy, named after the city mascot, Sammy Clarita, offers residents advanced search capability, enabling residents to ask questions that will search the entire site — from pothole reporting to trash pickup, to city job opportunities and beyond.
The chatbot, powered by Citibot, will offer informational responses and direct users to different parts of the website, also creating a simple method for users to leave a message for additional help from city staff to follow up on if needed. For those with limited or no access to Internet services or Internet-enabled devices, Ask Sammy is also available for interaction through text messaging at 1-844-90-SAMMY.
Similar AI-powered government chatbots have been introduced in other locations, helping improve 311 services in New Orleans and enhanced language services in several California cities. This version of the website also adopts a .gov domain, ensuring members of the public that they are using a secure website when they come to interact with city government.
The website was designed to be a mobile-first website in an effort to meet the needs of a primarily mobile audience.
Developers took user feedback into account during the redesign and planning process, offering the opportunity for residents to provide their opinions or suggestions about the platform. This input helped to highlight the features or items residents wanted to be most accessible from the home page. As a result, press releases, department info, services and seasonal class sign-ups are in plain sight for convenience.
For future feedback, the website footer hosts a suggestion box for users to submit inquiries and requests. The city’s announcement notes that the city-built and operated website will evolve with the community.
This story first appeared in Government Technology magazine, Industry Insider — California’s sister publication.
