Pacifica wins Helen Putnam award for Rose AI assistant

Pacifica received the League of California Cities' Helen Putnam Award for excellence in internal administration on Nov. 10, a recognition the mayor said highlights innovation in local government. Mayor Beckmeier introduced the League's public affairs manager, Montana Cruz, who presented the plaque and praised Pacifica's work with AI in municipal services.

"I'm very proud to present the city of Pacifica with the Helen Putnam award for excellence in internal administration," Montana Cruz said, noting the award recognizes innovative solutions by cities. City Manager Kevin Woodhouse described Rose as an AI-driven virtual assistant developed over several years that was piloted internally and later launched to the public. "This work on creating an artificial intelligence driven virtual assistant began a couple years ago," Woodhouse said, and staff emphasized that the project aims to improve access, equity and efficiency for residents.

Assistant City Manager Yulia Carter and a team of staff led testing and training for Rose; the city highlighted contributions from Deputy City Clerk Emily Law, project manager Michelle Trier, management analyst Elizabeth Brooks and other staff during the presentation. Woodhouse called it "a real team effort" and invited staff to join a brief photo opportunity after council remarks.

Council members and staff encouraged residents to be patient as the system continues to learn. "We're training her, but she's training us too," Mayor Beckmeier said, urging the public to phrase questions clearly and noting human staff remain available for complex needs. The council did not take formal action on the award; the presentation was ceremonial and concluded with the League's remarks and a group photograph.