ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 11, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - Agreements TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Gregory Pronovost
DATE: January 27, 2026
SUBJECT: Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2023-130 with Citibot, Inc. (revised not to exceed $269,959 and extend term to July 31, 2029) for automated interactive chat solutions
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval
BACKGROUND:
Citizen and resident communication with the City of Bakersfield for requests for information and services increases yearly. Most questions are similar and fit within a broad range of categories. Automating responses to the bulk of standard communications would free up staff time to devote to inquiries that require more time or detail.
Citibot Communication Platform is an AI -based chat solution for residents and staff , enabling efficient, timely communication via text messaging and chat functionality on the City’s website. This subscription- based tool will provide interactive chat -style communication to respond to questions or inquiries from citizens and visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering a conversational customer service experience on the Bakersfield website. The Citibot platform also provides a text -based alert system through which City staff can send text alerts in English and Spanish based on specific topics that residents opt in to.
The total cost for a three-year subscription to Citibot Communications Platform is $124,100.00 paid in six annual payments, including initial implementation costs of $14,900.00 in the first year.
$48,900.00 July 2023
$36,500.00 July 2024
$42,820.00 July 2025
$44,691.00 July 2026
$47,209.00 July 2027
$49,569.00 July 2028
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds for this agreement were budgeted in Fiscal Year 2025-26 and are allocated in the Equipment Fund.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Innovative and Efficient City Government
ATTACHMENTS:
Agreement