Sandpoint to launch new mobile app
Allows users to report non-emergencies
SANDPOINT, ID--The City of Sandpoint will hold a press conference on Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 1:30 p.m. to launch its new citizen engagement tool - Engage Sandpoint. This powerful new platform includes a free mobile app for Android and iPhones and a reporting function on the city website and Facebook page which allows Sandpoint residents and visitors to easily notify city officials of non-emergency issues such as potholes, snow removal, dogs at large or others and provide feedback on how the city is doing.
Powered by SeeClickFix, the mobile app allows citizens to provide pictures or videos accompanied by GPS coordinates, specific descriptions and more. It also builds community as citizens can view, comment on, and vote to prioritize issues submitted by their neighbors. They can also create "watch areas" to receive notifications about all of the issues reported in their neighborhood, enabling them to follow the progress of all service requests - not just their own. Behind the scenes, it provides city officials with a centralized system to manage issues from creation to resolution - engaging and informing Sandpoint residents throughout the process.
The mobile app also provides convenient access to pay utility bills, register bikes, volunteer, receive city notifications, enroll in recreation programs, and access city GIS maps and other tools. "The options are really limitless," according to City Administrator Jennifer Stapleton. "We can launch surveys, add forms, and even offer residents the opportunity to participate in council meetings remotely."
Mayor Shelby Rognstad, City Administrator Jennifer Stapleton, and other key city staff will be on hand during the press conference to demonstrate how to use the app and how the city will manage, track and respond to citizen input and concerns.
"Sandpoint is proud to be the first city in the state of Idaho and Inland Northwest to launch this citizen engagement technology," said Sandpoint Mayor Shelby Rognstad. "Engage Sandpoint builds upon our earlier initiatives to meaningfully improve our relationship with our citizens." During the past year, Sandpoint has provided online public access to city financials, launched citizen feedback and survey tools such as Open Town Hall, invited public participation in workshop discussions during council meetings, employed Community Resource Officers, and designated a city event coordinator.
For additional information, contact Jennifer Stapleton at [email protected] or 208.265.1483.