The Manhattan Democrat plans to introduce legislation next week targeting the automated customer service system, which has drawn complaints from residents across the five boroughs since its launch earlier this year.

“This chatbot has proven to be more of a hindrance than a help,” Mamdani said. “New Yorkers deserve better than a system that can’t answer basic questions about city services.”

The AI system was designed to handle routine inquiries about everything from parking tickets to housing applications, but users report frequent errors and unhelpful responses that force them to seek human assistance anyway.

Mamdani’s office cited examples of the chatbot providing incorrect information about permit applications and directing residents to outdated web pages for services that no longer exist.

The system cost the city $2.3 million to develop and implement, according to budget documents. Monthly maintenance runs another $150,000.

“We’re throwing good money after bad,” Mamdani said. “That funding could go toward hiring actual human beings who can provide real assistance to New Yorkers.”

The Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications defended the chatbot, saying it has handled more than 100,000 inquiries since launch and continues to improve through machine learning.

“Like any new technology, there’s a learning curve,” said DOITT spokesperson Maria Rodriguez. “We’re constantly updating the system based on user feedback.”

But Mamdani argues the problems run deeper than simple growing pains. His proposed legislation would require a full audit of the chatbot’s performance before any additional funding is approved.

The bill is expected to get support from other council members who have heard similar complaints from constituents.

“My office gets calls every day from people frustrated with this system,” said Councilwoman Julie Won, who represents parts of Queens. “We need accountability for how we spend technology dollars.”

The proposal comes as City Hall faces pressure to modernize government services while controlling costs. Mayor Adams has championed technology solutions as a way to improve efficiency, but critics say the rush to automate has led to poorly implemented systems.

Mamdani’s legislation is scheduled for introduction at next Tuesday’s council meeting.