Newport News Considers AI Technology to Tackle Code Violations and Urban Blight
City Detect’s platform is potential solution for detection and enforcement
At a retreat held Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the Newport News City Council examined the potential use of artificial intelligence to modernize code enforcement and address urban blight, with a presentation focused on City Detect, an AI-powered platform gaining traction among municipalities nationwide. The discussion reflects broader national trends in leveraging AI for municipal operations, particularly in response to staffing challenges and increasing demands for proactive community maintenance.
Meeting at the EDA Boardroom in City Center, council members were briefed on how City Detect uses computer vision and machine learning to detect over 100 urban issues, including property code violations, illegal dumping, and graffiti. The company’s system equips municipal fleet vehicles with cameras that capture street-level images. These images are then processed by proprietary AI models, producing detailed reports that can help cities prioritize enforcement, allocate resources, and track progress over time.
City Detect, founded in 2021 and based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is currently working with cities like Birmingham, Atlanta, and Stockton. During the presentation, the company positioned itself as a scalable solution capable of enhancing how cities respond to the growing demands of community upkeep and public safety.
The company is led by CEO Gavin Baum-Blake, a U.S. Army veteran and former startup attorney, and CTO Dr. Erik Johnson, an urban economist and AI/ML engineer. Their stated mission emphasizes social impact, transparency, and ethical AI development. The platform operates under a Responsible AI Strategy, which prioritizes data privacy, legal compliance, and fairness in outcomes for all communities.
In 2024, City Detect secured $2 million in seed funding led by Las Olas Venture Capital, with support from Knoll Ventures and Atlanta Seed Company. The investment has enabled the company to expand its team and continue developing its AI tools for cities across North America.
A Newport News Daily contributor produced the post using AI tools and these primary sources:
City Council Retreat - July 8, 2025 - Agenda
https://citydetect.com/about/
https://citydetect.com/responsible-ai-strategy/
Announcing Our Latest Seed Investment in City Detect