Helping Build More Responsive City Services Together 

The City of San José is partnering with Data-Smart City Solutions at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University through the Responsive Cities Network, a national initiative that helps cities work with residents to improve public services using data, artificial intelligence (AI), and community partnerships. 

The goal of this partnership is to build City services that are more responsive to residents by combining community input with responsible technology. 

Rather than using technology for its own sake, the Responsive Cities Network helps cities strengthen trust, improve service delivery, and create better ways for residents and government to solve problems together. The initiative emphasizes that community values should guide how AI is designed, tested, and used.  

Community-Centered Approach 

The Responsive Cities Network is built on the idea that the best public services are created in partnership with the people they serve. 

Throughout this initiative, the City will work alongside residents, community organizations, academic partners, and other stakeholders to better understand community priorities and identify opportunities to improve City services. Community feedback will help shape future planning, inform decision making, and guide how new approaches are developed and evaluated. 

As the initiative moves forward, the City and its partners will continue to identify opportunities, test solutions, and share lessons learned. The focus is on creating practical, people-centered improvements that strengthen service delivery while promoting transparency, accountability, public trust, and continuous collaboration.

Learn more about the Responsive Cities Network on Harvard's Data-Smart City Solutions website.

Focus: AI-Powered Object Detection 

The first project the City is working on under the Responsive Cities Network focuses on AI-powered object detection. 

Object detection uses cameras and artificial intelligence to identify certain neighborhood issues as City vehicles travel their normal routes. The technology may help identify issues such as:

• Potholes
• Graffiti
• Illegal dumping
• Other neighborhood maintenance concerns  

The goal is to help City crews identify issues sooner so they can respond more quickly. It is not intended to replace San José 311. Residents will continue to use San José 311 to report problems and request City services. 

Get Involved 

Community input is essential to this initiative. 

Community engagement will continue as the City evaluates ideas, tests solutions, and shares progress with residents. 

Future activities include:

• Community meetings 
• Resident feedback opportunities 
• Pilot projects 
• Continued collaboration with Harvard University's Bloomberg Center for Cities 
• Updates on how community input is shaping City services  

The City is committed to ensuring residents remain active partners throughout this work.  

Residents will have additional opportunities to learn about AI, ask questions, and provide feedback as projects move forward. 

Visit our Public Engagement webpage to learn more about our upcoming public events and meetings.