SOLEDAD — City of Soledad has launched a new mobile app for residents to report issues, submit service requests and receive important notifications.
The app, called “It’s Happening in Soledad,” provides an easier way for the community to report such issues as potholes, code violations, graffiti, etc. through the Citizen Request Portal, which goes directly to city staff who can then respond to the situation. It also offers a section for Notifications and reminders for road closures, water shutoffs or repairs, city events and more.
“It’s another avenue for us to get information out,” said Steven Andranigian, the city’s information technology (IT) director.
Andranigian gave a brief presentation about the new software program during Soledad City Council’s regular meeting Dec. 7. He said the app is meant to complement the city’s website, which also allows residents to report issues and send requests.
“We have the ability now for when residents see graffiti or a pothole or a broken light, they can download the app — which is free — use their phone to take a picture … then it goes right to the department or the person in charge that needs to resolve that,” Andranigian explained. “… When we get an update, we can send it back to them so that they’re engaged and know we’re working on this and here are the next steps.”
Developed through GOGov, the free app is available for iPhone and Android users. Andranigian encourages all residents to download and test out the app, adding that the IT Department is looking forward to the feedback “so we can make this as successful as possible.”
In addition to the Citizen Request Portal and Notifications, the app provides general City of Soledad information — condensed from the website — and about 30 topics under FAQ, or frequently asked questions. The city plans to add more topics and FAQ information as time goes on.
“We wanted to start small, and do these two features — the Citizen Request Portal and Notifications — to start and get it out there for advertising it, get people using it and get comfortable with it,” Andranigian said. “We can add more as we go along.”
Residents are still welcome to stop by Soledad City Hall at 248 Main St. or call 831-223-5000 to report any issues, as well.
“One of the goals of my department has always been to make services easier for our residents to get and be able to take in information from them easier, while still keeping the ability for people to come in and talk to us,” Andranigian said.
During the council meeting, Mayor Anna Velazquez praised the new app and thanked the IT Department for bringing it to fruition.
“Our residents have been waiting for this, so thank you so much for working on this, and thank you for your due diligence on bringing together an app that our residents can utilize,” Velazquez said. “… It makes it easier also for us as council members when we see those concerns, now we have an app that we can direct our residents to be able to submit those concerns and it’ll go to the proper department.”
