County leaders are set to launch a new free mobile application called Citizen Connect on Tuesday, which will allow people to directly alert the relevant municipal department of their concerns.
When users find graffiti, standing water or abandoned vehicles, for example, they can take and upload a photo to the app and write up a description of the problem and then monitor the progress through emailed updates. They can also see the most reported issues by list or on maps and comment on what others have reported.
“As our community relies more on mobile technologies for everyday life, it’s essential that government services also be provided in this space,” said Supervisor Zach Friend, who came up with the idea of offering the app. “It’s not always easy or convenient to come down to the county building to receive services, and this will allow many of our services to be much more accessible to anyone with access to a smartphone.”
Other communities have launched similar applications, particularly in Massachusetts. The county Information Services Department developed the app and will manage it.
Citizen Connect only accepts reports for the unincorporated areas but will refer users to the appropriate city for issues in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley and Capitola.
Those who’ve downloaded the app can also use it to register to vote, view or pay property tax bills and explore the county’s park system through photographs and descriptions.
“We are looking towards more opportunities to increase efficiency within our department and make the visitor experience both more informed and enjoyable,” said county parks director Jeff Gaffney. “This will allow us to fix our problems in real time and eliminate the sometimes slow bureaucratic process that can increase the costs of simple repairs.”
Over the next year, county staff will make changes to the app based on usage. Possible updates include allowing participants to report on code enforcement, sewer spills, road hazards and other common concerns and order birth, death marriage and divorce certificates.
©2015 the Santa Cruz Sentinel (Scotts Valley, Calif.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
