For several years, Philadelphia’s 311 non-emergency information service has answered resident's questions and heard their concerns by phone. Now the city is adding a new way for citizens to connect. A new 311 app is now in development.
The app will allow residents to more easily share non-emergency issues with the city like abandoned cars, graffiti and potholes.
Users will be able to send photos and video of the problem so officials can better understand the need.
You'll also be able to see issues submitted in your neighborhood and vote for ones you'd like to see resolved.
“If they want to rally behind a pothole or rally behind an abandoned vehicle, it’s now another avenue that’s available to residents,” Philadelphia Chief Innovation Officer Adel Ebeid says.
Push notifications will update users on the status of their submitted issue.
Ebeid says Philly 311's call center and social media services will still be offered.
The app will be available for apple, android and blackberry smartphones. There will also be a web version of the app that will be accessible via a computer.
The city hopes to have the 311 app on resident's smartphones by Labor Day.
