The Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA) is taking innovative steps to connect with the community by leveraging social media and artificial intelligence. During a recent briefing at a Detroit City Council subcommittee session, DLBA CEO Tammy Daniels introduced new strategies aimed at engaging Detroit residents more effectively.
Social Media Engagement
One of the key initiatives is the ‘Talking with Tammy’ segment on the DLBA’s Instagram page. This interactive feature allows residents to receive real-time responses to their questions and concerns, fostering a more direct line of communication between the authority and the public. Daniels emphasized the importance of this initiative in encouraging Detroiters to share their experiences and engage in meaningful discussions.
AI Chatbot Introduction
In addition to social media efforts, the DLBA has launched an AI-powered chatbot on its website. This tool, which went live following a seven-week evaluation period, provides 24/7 support to residents, answering queries about the land bank’s operations and offerings. Daniels highlighted the chatbot as a valuable resource for residents seeking information at any time.
Land Sales and Community Outreach
The DLBA’s latest quarterly report reveals that the authority currently manages 56,571 parcels of vacant land. Of these, 2,248 side lots and 23,968 neighborhood lots are available for purchase. However, Council Member Latisha Johnson pointed out that only 52 side lots were sold in the last quarter, urging the DLBA to enhance its promotional efforts.
To address this, Daniels announced plans to host at least two side lot fairs this summer, providing residents with the opportunity to purchase lots on the spot. The DLBA is also considering deploying outreach teams to increase community awareness about these opportunities, although budget constraints remain a challenge.
Despite these financial limitations, the DLBA remains committed to finding innovative ways to engage with the community and facilitate land sales, as the Detroit City Council has eliminated the general fund subsidy for the land bank in recent budgets.
Original reporting: BridgeDetroit — read the source article.
