Effective and timely communication is a challenge that local governments continually struggle with. However, as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into marketing technologies, those scalability struggles are becoming more manageable. Through channels like automated text messages and personalized email campaigns, AI in civic communication is revolutionizing how governments interact with their communities, making information more accessible, timely, and effective.

AI in Civic Communication: Automated Text Messaging for Real-Time Updates

Often, the messages that are the hardest to get in front of residents are tied to an urgent event or upcoming deadline. After all, website updates may go unnoticed, and an email may not get opened until after the relevant time has passed.

This is where cities are utilizing AI and SMS text messaging to bridge the gap with timely, to-the-point messaging.

Examples of common topics that are a good fit for this channel run the gamut from emergencies to events, like:

  • Emergency alerts, including weather warnings, safety updates, and missing persons notices.
  • Transportation information, including road closures, traffic updates, and public transportation changes.
  • Event notices, like festivals and parades, arts programs, and parks and recreation events.
  • Program updates, like summer camps, senior citizen programs, and community food banks.

With the help of AI, cities can distribute these messages through targeted, automated text messaging. AI-driven systems can utilize recipient data to determine relevant recipients, and generative AI can help craft, personalize, and even translate messages at scale, ensuring residents get the right information at the right time.

Cary, North Carolina’s AI-driven text messaging system is a great example of a successful implementation of this strategy. Through robust segmentation and machine learning, the system determines which residents are most likely to need specific information based on their past behavior and preferences. If a resident has attended community events, they might receive alerts about upcoming events. Similarly, if a resident has a history of reporting safety concerns, they might receive more updates about safety measures.

Read the full article about AI in civic communication at Smart Cities Dive.