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Chehalis manager announces three-month trial of AI video Q&A tool to boost transparency
Summary
City Manager announced at the April 14 Chehalis City Council meeting that the city will begin a three-month trial of an AI-powered video Q&A product called REPT to publish short staff-recorded explainer videos on the city website.
City Manager announced at the April 14 Chehalis City Council meeting that the city will begin a three-month trial of a company product called REPT, an AI-powered video Q&A tool the manager said will let staff publish short, staff-recorded explainer videos on the city website.
The manager said the trial requires no new funding and that staff — not the AI alone — will record the answers that are then delivered as short videos on the website. The manager described use cases such as explaining water-rate increases, providing quick information about events like Summerfest, and answering frequently asked questions so residents can find answers without calling city staff. Staff said one two-minute video can be created in roughly five minutes under the vendor’s workflow and that the product is intended to supplement — not replace — existing social-media channels.
Several council members asked how REPT would relate to the city’s current social-media efforts, whether it would be a two-way conversation that requires moderation, and how residents would be notified when new content is available. The manager said the product is intended as a partnership with social media and the city website, that the city plans a communications push during the trial to help residents find the service, and that the trial will test practical details such as notification and moderation.
The manager said the vendor had assured staff the tool would help “own a narrative” by surfacing accurate information quickly, and that staff will evaluate whether the product reduces phone calls and staff time. The trial is to begin the week following the meeting and will last three months; the manager said cost is “fairly inexpensive” but the transcript did not include a specific dollar amount.
Council members said they appreciated that the trial is limited and asked staff to return with assessment data, including how the product integrates with existing social media and what moderation will be required. The announcement did not include a formal council vote or budget action.
