Citibot Web Chat Feature Arrives at ArlingtonTX.gov
By Office of Communication
Posted on September 17, 2020, September 17, 2020

The City of Arlington is putting technology to work, offering residents yet another way to connect with their hometown. The City launched its partnership with Citibot in early 2020, letting residents use text messaging to report issues, find information on various City services and get answers to common questions.

Now, the same chatbot technology has been added to the City’s homepage, ArlingtonTX.gov. Users will notice the web chat feature on the bottom right section of the homepage on both desktop and mobile devices. Clicking the icon launches Citibot’s chat window, prompting residents to enter their questions. From there, the technology service gets to work, delivering answers in just seconds.

“We’re always looking for innovative ways to make it easier to report and resolve issues in neighborhoods throughout The American Dream City and Citibot’s new web chat feature does just that,” said Jay Warren, director of Communication and Legislative Affairs for the City of Arlington. “We know the COVID-19 pandemic has increased uncertainty for everyone and our organization wants to do our part to remain consistent by continuing to offer the quality services our residents have come to expect.”

Citibot’s text messaging service is still available to mobile users. Residents can start a conversation by texting Hello to 855-950-4110 and report issues in the community, such as potholes or stray animals, or find information about city services and events, such as permits, public meetings or trash and recycling pick up dates.

Arlington is the second city in Texas – and the largest – to implement Citibot. The American Dream City is also the second city in the nation to implement Citibot's chatbot feature on a city website. The City will test the service’s functionality and how residents use and embrace the technology as part of a one-year pilot program funded by the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation.

Based in Charleston, SC, Citibot LLC was formed in 2016 with a mission of making cities and counties accessible for all. Bratton Riley, Citibot’s co-founder and CEO, was inspired by the evolution of the conversational chatbot and its ability to help governments be more accessible and accountable to every resident.

“Government websites are rich with content, which makes it hard for some residents to quickly find the information they need,” said Bratton Riley, CEO of Citibot. “We’re excited to launch Citibot Web Chat with the City to help provide a better web experience for Arlington residents while improving efficiency and customer service.

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