In an effort to modernize local government services, the City of Pacifica launched Ask Rose — an AI-powered digital assistant that’s redefining how Pacifica connects with its community. To support the launch of Ask Rose, the City partnered with Tripepi Smith to produce an animated explainer video. In October, the City’s Ask Rose program was recognized with a 2025 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence from the League of California Cities (CalCities).
“Ask Rose was not just about launching a chatbot; it was about transforming how we serve our community,” said City Manager Kevin Woodhouse. “Tripepi Smith’s team helped us bring that vision to life.”
Built with accessibility, efficiency and equity in mind, Ask Rose is available 24/7 via web chat, voice, text and soon email. She supports more than 20 languages and pulls accurate, up-to-date answers directly from Pacifica’s official source documents. Whether residents are asking about zoning, permits or Council meetings, Ask Rose delivers clear, easy-to-understand responses. Internally, she reduces burdens on staff, promotes consistency across departments and ensures the public always receives the most current information.
As one of California’s first fully integrated municipal AI assistants, Ask Rose highlights Pacifica’s leadership in thoughtful, forward-looking technology. “From the start, we wanted something real and useful, a 24/7 service that actually helps our community,” said Assistant City Manager Yulia Carter. “Rose is available however people prefer to reach us: chat, text, phone, and email. We may be a small city, but we are living proof that you don’t need a giant tech campus to deliver smart innovation… just a good idea and a great team.”
Carter added that the work isn’t done and the City is building on Rose’s success. “We are now creating public-facing workflows so residents can take care of more tasks from the comfort of their home,” she said. “At the end of the day, it’s about making everyday interactions with the City simpler, friendlier and less ‘bureaucratic.’”
Pacifica was honored in the CalCities Internal Administration category, which celebrates efforts that improve records access, promote strong internal practices and demonstrate innovative use of technology. One of the highest honors in California municipal government, the award affirmed that Pacifica’s thoughtful approach to AI isn’t just timely, it is exemplary.
Videographer Audrin Baghaie led the video creation, with account support from Senior Business Analyst Melanie Moore. “Pacifica’s team is always a pleasure to work with,” said Audrin. “They had an incredible vision, and it was an honor to help them achieve it.”
Since its launch in March 2024, Ask Rose has handled over 7,300 inquiries with a 93% success rate. Just 7% of questions required staff follow-up, dramatically reducing call volume and freeing up time for more strategic work. In an era of rising service expectations and limited resources, Pacifica’s approach offers an innovative blueprint for local governments everywhere. With the right mix of emerging technology and trusted communication, Ask Rose is helping build a more connected, inclusive and efficient public service experience, with Tripepi Smith proud to help tell that story.
About the City of Pacifica
Pacifica is located just 12 miles south of San Francisco along the scenic coast of the Pacific Ocean. Known for its natural beauty, Pacifica is filled with numerous hiking trails through rolling hills that overlook the ocean surf and forested canyons. The City of Pacifica is a general law city governed by a five-member city council. Beginning with the general municipal election in November 2020, the City of Pacifica transitioned from at-large to district-based elections.
About Tripepi Smith
Tripepi Smith is a California-based marketing, technology and public affairs firm that serves for-profit, nonprofit and public agencies. Its unique mix of marketing and technology prowess provides a competitive advantage to agencies seeking to leverage the internet to achieve their communication goals. The firm provides full content creation services, including: ghost writing, collateral development, photography, video production, aerial imagery, search engine optimization, email marketing campaigns and website design and execution. Tripepi Smith’s diverse clients include: City of American Canyon, City of Calabasas, City of Culver City, City of Cupertino, City of Daly City, City of Grover Beach, City of Indian Wells, City of La Cañada Flintridge, City of Lake Forest, City of Livermore, City of Malibu, City of Napa, City of Palmdale, City of Paramount, City of Tracy, CalChoice Energy Authority, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, Santa Clara County Fire Department, Costa Mesa Sanitary District, Rowland Water District, California City Management Foundation, Renne Public Law Group, West Coast Arborists, Scripps College, Blind Children’s Center and Climatec.
