New Ask Arlington App Makes it Easier for Citizens to Report Problems
By Susan Schrock
Posted on January 10, 2017, January 10, 2017

Spot a stray dog, a pot hole or litter along the street? The new Ask Arlington app makes notifying the City about these problems quick and easy.

The City of Arlington officially launched the app, free for Android and Apple devices, today. Through the Ask Arlington app, users can report common complaints such as overgrown weeds and grass, barking dogs or vehicles parked in a yard. Apartment tenants can also turn to the app to report conditions such as insect infestations, no air conditioning or heat, or lack of hot water, for inspection.

The app allows users, who can remain anonymous, to upload photos and videos to provide City departments more information about the issue they are reporting. Users can also track the real-time progress of how their complaint is handled, including whether a notice of violation was issued.

"We encourage residents to report problems they see, whether it's a burnt out street light, graffiti or a dilapidated fence, to help the City keep our neighborhoods, parks, streets and business areas safer, more attractive and clean,"Marketing Communications Manager Jay Warren said.

City officials say the Ask Arlington app is a convenient alternative to the Action Center hotline, 817-459-6777, which receives more than 350,000 calls a year.

"There's no wait time," Action Center Manager Gil Mesa said. "The app is user friendly and very intuitive. Hopefully this will encourage more citizens to become involved and contact us."

The app also makes it easier for non-English speaking residents to make a complaint, Mesa said. Users can submit their information in one of more than 100 languages, which will be translated by the app into English for the City. Responses will also be translated to the user's chosen language.

The Ask Arlington app aligns with the City Council priorities to Champion Strong Neighborhoods and Put Technology to Work by tapping into existing smart device technology to create another way for citizens to become involved in the health of their communities.

Examples of requests

Overgrown weeds and grass

Request assistance locating a water or sewer line before digging

Nuisance vehicles

Overhanging tree limbs

Loose animals

Dead animals

Burned out streetlight

Traffic signal not working

Street sweeping

Trash out early

Water main leaks

Restaurant health code concerns

Ask Arlington, Champion Great Neighborhoods, Put Technology to Work
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