Eyes on the street: Huntsville looks to boost efficiency with innovative technology

HUNTSVILLE — The city is exploring a cutting-edge solution to help keep the city cleaner, safer, and more efficient, and it starts with the garbage trucks already rolling through the neighborhoods.

At tonight’s meeting, the City Council will consider a contract with City Detect, a company that provides an AI-powered software platform designed to identify potential code violations and public works issues.

The system works with cameras on city garbage trucks, which already travel every street on a regular schedule. The cameras collect visual data from public rights-of-way, and advanced AI tools then analyze the images to identify concerns such as overgrown grass, graffiti, illegal dumping and property neglect.

City officials said the system offers a way to support staff across multiple departments –  including Community Development, Public Works and Landscape Management – by providing early detection and insight into issues that would otherwise go unnoticed until reported by residents.

“Here’s the key,” said City Administrator John Hamilton. “There are no automatic citations or fines associated with this system and no enforcement bots. The system simply gathers visual data as garbage trucks go about their routes. That footage is then reviewed by City departments such as Community Development and Public Works.

“If something appears problematic based on the City Detect data, a human inspector takes a more informed, closer look, just like they would today, only more efficiently and with better insight.”

Community Development

• In 2024, roughly 3,600 of 8,500 citations were related to overgrown vegetation.
• During peak growing season, inspectors are nearly fully occupied with vegetation complaints.
• City Detect will free up staff to address structural blight and severe property issues.
• Enables a proactive, citywide approach rather than relying solely on resident complaints.

Public Works

• Debris Pickup Optimization: Currently, boom trucks must search entire routes for debris piles. With City Detect, garbage trucks can gather data during regular runs, and a targeted pickup route can be generated for boom trucks the next day, thereby reducing wear, improving efficiency, and expanding coverage.
• Pothole Detection (in development): Within 12 months, City Detect aims to roll out a feature that detects potholes and road degradation using front-facing cameras. This becomes a powerful tool for repaving decisions.

Landscape Management

• Illegal dumping and litter: City Detect will help identify hotspots for litter and dumping so they can be addressed proactively.
• This data can also support volunteer efforts and community cleanup coordination when areas are safe and accessible.

The city said the initiative will begin as a pilot program, with the initial focus on supporting the Community Development and Public Works departments. If successful, the system could be expanded to other departments and services.