5 Ways to Leverage AI Chatbots for Citizen Engagement
Integrating AI into government practices is not a trend. It’s a strategic move towards smarter, data-driven decision-making. In an era of increasing citizen expectations, it is becoming more important to provide government services efficiently.
Many municipalities found that implementing chatbots on their website and digital forms is a simple and cost-effective solution. Here are reasons why local governments are harnessing the power of AI to streamline processes and serve their communities better:
1. Integration with Digital Forms
Chatbots like SDL’s AI Assistant can be integrated with digital form software, allowing them to provide up-to-date information and dynamically adapt to changes in form requirements. This ensures that citizens receive accurate guidance based on the latest updates.
Citizens may have questions about the information required in government forms. Chatbots can clarify these requirements, explaining specific terms and providing examples when needed. This helps citizens understand the purpose of each form field and ensures they provide the necessary information, reducing the likelihood of mistakes and the need for resubmission.
2. 24/7 Instant Information Retrieval
AI chatbots serve as virtual assistants capable of instantly providing information on various government services, programs, and events. This can field common questions about permits, office hours, or upcoming community events, all while providing citizens with immediate and accurate responses.
3. Language Accessibility
Local government websites, forms, and portals serve as crucial hubs for information and services. AI chatbots are equipped with natural language processing capabilities to provide real-time language support on government forms. Residents can interact with these chatbots in their preferred language to seek information, assistance, or guidance. This on-the-fly translation enhances user experience and ensures that language differences do not restrict access to vital services.
4. Decreased Calls to Town Hall
Citizens often call town halls or clerks with common questions about form processes. AI chatbots can efficiently handle FAQs by providing instant responses to commonly asked queries. This frees up the time of town hall staff and clerks, allowing them to focus on more complex and personalized citizen interactions.
5. Community Feedback and Surveys
AI chatbots play a crucial role in collecting community feedback through surveys and polls. Local governments can use chatbots to gauge public opinion on specific issues, gather suggestions for improvement, or assess satisfaction with government services. This real-time feedback loop allows authorities to make data-driven decisions that align with citizens' preferences and needs.
How SDL Connect Can Help
In embracing AI chatbots, local governments enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and meet citizen expectations. This shift towards data-driven governance signifies a transformative approach to optimized service delivery.
SDL’s AI Assistant is one example of a product offering that helps local governments achieve these goals. Our tool is more powerful than a regular chatbot and provides advanced workflow capabilities to your municipality, allowing for smarter automation of complex government processes. If you want to learn more about how your municipality can harness AI, schedule a 15-minute consultation with one of our experts.
