Council candidate builds AI-assisted computer programs to streamline city hall services

Ward 12 Candidate Ribal Zebian believes Artificial Intelligence (AI) could improve the delivery of city services at a lower cost and has built the computer programs to prove it.

Ward 12 Candidate Ribal Zebian believes Artificial Intelligence (AI) could improve the delivery of city services at a lower cost and has built the computer programs to prove it. “People say fix our infrastructure, fix our roads, make permits quicker. How are you going to do that?”

Zebian asked rhetorically. He’s developed three AI-assisted computer programs to streamline common processes at City Hall called Road Intelligence, Public Space Intelligence, and Generous Civic AI. On a laptop Zebian demonstrates how Road Intelligence would allow residents to report potholes, input photos, and makes the information immediately available to road maintenance crews.

A progress bar allows residents to track repairs and provides the municipality with data about costs and locations. Public Space Intelligence would respond to concerns around parks and community centres including unauthorized fireworks, noise complaints, and speeding vehicles. By incorporating live sensors, that he’s also designed, real time information would be used to evaluate risks and coordinate dispatch.

Generous Civic AI aims to expedite the permit, rezoning, and license application processes by preliminarily screening and analyzing documents submitted by residents. “This is not something we want to force on people, but this is something where it’s an option,” Zebian explained. “It could be an express route if you really don’t have time, [or] if you need to project quickly, this can help business owners, landlords, any person in London.”

It’s not the first time the 19-year-old Western University engineering student has turned his ideas into reality. Last summer, CTV News spoke to Zebian after winning a scholarship for creating a fully electric wooden replica of a Mercedes G Wagon. This June, he unveiled a modular home that he designed and constructed for $20,000 that he believes could help address the housing crisis.

Zebian says the computer programs would improve efficiency at city hall and allow municipal employees to shift into roles where humans are still required. “These are offerings and gifts from me to the city,” he said about not charging for the computer programs. “Especially if I win [a] council [seat], these are things that we could implement.”

Also registered as candidates in Ward 12 are Alexander Main and incumbent Elizabeth Peloza. Election Day is Oct. 26.