Newton City Council prioritizes IT enhancements and cybersecurity for future development

In a recent meeting of the Programs & Services Committee in Newton City, officials discussed the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into city services, emphasizing its potential to enhance communication and efficiency for residents. The committee explored how AI, particularly through a chatbot named Isaac, could provide timely answers to residents' inquiries about city policies, traffic issues, and other concerns.

Councilor Lamova raised questions about the chatbot's capabilities, specifically whether it could deliver accurate responses based on the city's data and policies. The response highlighted that the chatbot is continuously learning and is currently programmed to focus on information that is less than a year old. Officials noted that they regularly review the chatbot's performance, aiming for an 80-85% accuracy rate in its responses.

The discussion also touched on the city's IT infrastructure, with Councilor Albright expressing concerns about the limited programming staff available to support various departments. He emphasized the need for a more proactive approach in utilizing technology to improve city operations and enhance service delivery to residents. The committee acknowledged the importance of cybersecurity but agreed that there should be a balanced focus on leveraging IT for operational improvements.

Additionally, the committee addressed ongoing challenges with the city's website, which has been criticized for its complexity and difficulty in navigating. Officials assured that efforts are underway to improve the search functionality, making it easier for residents to access information. They also discussed the importance of ensuring that documents are properly formatted to enhance searchability.

As the meeting concluded, there was a consensus on the need for continued collaboration between IT and city departments to explore innovative solutions that can better serve the community. The discussions underscored a commitment to enhancing transparency and responsiveness in city services, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of life for Newton residents.