News Flash

Jacky 2.0 helps Midland residents find online information easier

City of Midland News Release Posted on November 17, 2025

CITY OF MIDLAND INTRODUCES UPGRADE TO AI-POWERED CHATBOT, ASKJACKY

(Nov. 17, 2025)

MIDLAND, TEXAS -- The City of Midland’s AI-powered ChatBot – AskJacky – is better than ever.

Last week, the City went live with Jacky 2.0, an upgrade to the original which allowed residents easier access to City information online. AskJacky was introduced to residents as a “guide to quickly access City of Midland resources on our various webpages and get your answers to our most frequently asked questions!”

That hasn’t changed but improved.

Jacky 2.0 on midlandtexas.gov offers the following features:

  • Voice interactions on the website both desktop and mobile versions (hands-free Q&A, guided steps).
  • Phone interactions on select City phone lines coming soon (callers can talk with Jacky to get answers, route to services or request a callback).

The City believes Jacky 2.0 will advance the Midland City Council’s Strategic Plan goals for Transparent & Consistent Communication and Outstanding Service, giving residents faster, clearer answers 24/7. The AI-instrument also should reduce call wait times and email volume by resolving common requests and questions up front.

Residents can use the new and improved Jacky 2.0 by:

  • Visiting midlandtexas.gov and click the Jacky widget (bottom right).
  • Speaking or typing a question (voice mic enabled in the widget), available in English, Spanish, and several other languages
  • On select enabled phone lines, callers will hear “You can speak with Jacky…” and may proceed by voice.

Those practical applications include (but are not limited to):

  • Pay utility bills and get account information,
  • Find out trash pickup schedules and bulk waste dates,
  • Get building permit requirements,
  • Locate parks, pools, and recreation programs,
  • Access Animal Services for adoptions or lost pets,
  • Learn about city events and programs.

The City of Midland also is excited to announce that an avatar version of Jacky will soon be embedded on select department pages for quick, on-page help. Jacky 2.0 is the first municipal AI in the nation powered by ElevenLabs enterprise technology and another example of the City’s putting customer service first for our residents.