Councilmember, residents push back on AI 'blight scores' given to homes
5 hours ago
- AI-powered cameras on Dallas trash trucks have photographed and rated about 21,000 properties with a 'blight score' since April.
- Residents and council members raise privacy concerns and worry the technology could lead to more code enforcement fines in lower-income neighborhoods.
- Dallas City Councilmember Chad West proposed a budget amendment to stop funding the $2.5 million camera contract, citing fears it could become a 'tax on the poor.'
- City officials say humans review camera images and blight scores are used internally to prioritize code enforcement, not to target specific areas.
- The camera operator, City Detect, says faces and license plates are blurred, and the system is not linked to law enforcement or revenue generation.
- The city has sent 1,800 'courtesy notices' to property owners asking for voluntary repairs, with potential fines if issues are not addressed.
- West agreed to table his funding request after the city manager agreed to a December hearing on the issue.