Detroit smartphone owners can now report potholes, illegal dumping and a whole host of other municipal issues with the touch of a button — or a touch screen. This week, Mayor Mike Duggan officially launched the “Improve Detroit” mobile app.
“The new Improve Detroit app is like having City Hall on your phone,” Duggan said. “From wherever they are, this simple tool will allow residents to report an urgent problem we may not know about. They will be able to report the type of problem, the exact location and even submit a photo.”
The app routes all issues and complaints to the appropriate department for faster response time. Users can then track work orders until the issue is resolved.
“From an accountability standpoint, it’s important for the public to know what issues have been reported and if the city is following through,” Duggan said. “This is a transparent process from start to finish.”
In addition to helping residents report things like abandoned vehicles and broken fire hydrants, the app allows Detroiters can pay those rising water bills through their devices.
Detroit residents can find all of the city’s apps here.
Jenn Stanley is a freelance journalist, essayist and independent producer living in Chicago. She has an M.S. from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
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