HOUSTON – Do you to get in touch with 311? The city of Houston's 311 Help & Info smartphone app is now available.
"The old 311 was inefficient and failed to meet Houston's needs," Houston Mayor Annise Parker said. "The new 311 is a completely transformed entity which places focus exactly where it should be -- on the customer. Today, Houstonians can reach 311 through a variety of channels that are convenient and easy to use."
The city launched the 311 Houston Service Helpline in August 2001 as a telephone helpline. Now 311 Help & Info users can submit service requests via the new smartphone app, the redesigned website, email or by calling the 24/7 call center.
"I am so proud of where 311 is today and look forward to where it's going in the future," said Frank Carmody, who oversees 311 Help & Info. "We want to hear from Houston's citizens and we are working to create as many avenues as possible to allow them to communicate with us on their terms: When they want, how they want, and with whom they want."
The new app allows Houstonians to easily submit a request for service online. Also, over the past week, 311 has also launched a new interactive mapping tool that allows Houstonians to track the progress of their request and view other requests in the area.
"Today is really about re-introducing Houstonians to 311 Help & Info," said Parker. "This new smartphone app and newly redesigned website marks the beginning of many upgrades to come. The nature of technology in our society today is to iterate and improve, and the new 311 will not be an exception to that."