Local governments have struggled to engage residents, ensure accessibility, and provide timely responses to community needs for a long time. In 2016, Bratton Riley founded Citibot to revolutionize how local governments interact with their residents. With a deep-rooted passion for public service and a desire to foster community connections, Riley and his team have built an innovative AI-powered chat solution that is reshaping civic engagement.
A Legacy of Public Service
Bratton Riley’s journey to founding Citibotis deeply influenced by his upbringing in Charleston, South Carolina. As the son of longtime Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, Bratton witnessed the impact of effective leadership and the importance of making government accessible to all. His father’s tenure was marked by a commitment to public service, inclusivity, and community-driven progress—values that Bratton carried into his professional career.
Prior to launching Citibot, Bratton worked for the Supreme Court of South Carolina and later led development and legal practices for Maybank Industries, a maritime shipping and terminal company. His academic background includes a degree in history from the University of Virginia, as well as a JD and MBA in International Business from the University of South Carolina. Bratton is also a Liberty Fellow, an honor that reflects his dedication to exemplary leadership within the state and the broader Aspen Global Leadership Network.
Throughout his career, Bratton served on nonprofit boards focusing on education, the arts, and public health. Yet, it was his unwavering belief in the power of local government—its ability to serve as the foundation of democracy and public trust—that led him to recognize an opportunity for innovation.
The Birth of Citibot: A Vision for Smarter Government
Bratton Riley founded Citibot with a simple yet ambitious goal: to break down communication barriers between residents and their local governments. Understanding the challenges cities and counties face—overloaded call centers, limited staff resources, and language accessibility—he envisioned a solution that would use artificial intelligence to provide instant, accurate, and multilingual support to all residents.
Citibot was created to harness the power of AI-driven chat solutions that work across multiple platforms, including web chat, text messaging, and social media. This technology empowers residents by providing them with instant answers, enabling them to submit service requests, and offering a more efficient way to connect with city services.
A Growing Impact: Transforming Local Government Communication
Since its inception, Citibot has transformed the way municipalities engage with their communities by integrating AI-powered chat solutions tailored specifically for local governments. By streamlining communication and automating responses, Citibot enables cities to provide faster, more efficient services while making critical information accessible to all residents.
With multilingual capabilities and 24/7 availability, Citibot ensures that every resident can access the resources they need. Whether assisting with routine inquiries or providing real-time updates during emergencies, Citibot helps local governments provide transparency, trust, and stronger community connections.
Bratton Riley’s commitment to strengthening local government goes beyond technology—it’s rooted in meaningful relationships with municipal leaders across the country. From major cities like Denver, Colorado, to rapidly growing communities like Arlington, Texas, Bratton has built connections with government officials who share his passion for innovation and accessibility. His experience has allowed him to work closely with mayors, city managers, and public service leaders to develop AI-driven solutions tailored to their specific needs.
Through these partnerships, Bratton has observed the evolving demands of local governance, allowing Citibot to continuously refine its technology and better serve residents. His reputation has made him a sought-after advisor in the civic tech space, showcasing Citibot’s role as a transformative force in local government communication.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Impact Nationwide
Bratton Riley envisions a future where every local government—regardless of size or budget—can leverage AI to create more responsive and accessible services.
“Government should be accessible to everyone,” Riley said. “By using AI-driven solutions, we are not just improving efficiency; we are ensuring that every resident has a voice and can engage with their local government in a meaningful way.”
As Citibot continues to grow, it remains dedicated to its core mission: building trust between governments and residents. But this growth is not just about expanding technology—it’s about learning from the cities it serves.
By working closely with municipal leaders, city managers, public information officers, and other government professionals, Citibot adapts to the evolving needs of local governments. As a result, governments can address real challenges that cities and counties face daily.
Citibot’s investment in AI and integration with other government platforms provides an intuitive experience. More importantly, Citibot is committed to elevating the voices of public servants and fostering a nationwide dialogue on government accessibility.
With increasing demands for customer service and accessibility, Citibot empowers local governments to modernize civic engagement. From small rural communities to large metropolitan areas, Citibot is paving the way for a future where local government communication is more efficient, transparent, and citizen-focused than ever before.
