Do you want city service providers to know about the things you see that concern you?
The uneven sidewalks out front, the overgrown weeds next door, the illegal dumping in the alleyway, the potholes in the street, the traffic signal that’s not working on the corner.
Well, as the modern saying goes, there’s an ‘app’ for that.
During the most recent Town Hall series, City of Merced leaders and officials found themselves coming back to one, single online tech tool as they responded to local residents who are passionate about taking action to improve the quality of life in town.
It’s called the Merced Connect App, and astute local residents have been using it for several years now.
However, this technology is not just about sending an electronic report about visible concerns. The app makes it easy for residents to submit and track their service requests, stay informed on city news, report non-emergency crimes, explore job opportunities, and more – all from a smartphone. You just have to download the Merced Connect app online from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Sarah Boyle, the mayor pro tem on the City Council, has been sold on the idea from the start. She’s been using the app for more than five years. She tells residents it comes in handy to her personally when she’s out taking a walk around town.
“I love it because there are a number of specific issues listed that you can select from,” she told the Times, “I’ve used this at times to report things while I’m out walking — like a small sink hole in pavement, or a some type of tripping hazard on the sidewalk. You see things differently when you’re walking versus driving, and I feel like that’s actually a perfect time to be aware of the app, and safely use it. You can take a picture, upload it, and continue walking in no time at all. … You don’t have to call or talk to anybody. So if it’s like potholes, you will know your service request will go directly to Public Works, but you can also follow up on it as well. … I recommend it to everybody in town, and even those who don’t live here, but do business here.”
Upgrade on way
Soon, officials say, the Merced Connect App is going to get even better.
In late March, the City of Merced is rolling out an upgraded version that will give residents a more streamlined and accessible way to connect with city services.
According to Jeff Bennyhoff, the city’s director of information technology, here’s what’s new:
• Department Collaboration — The app will now connect multiple city department systems, enabling faster coordination between departments for resident service requests.
• More User Friendly – The updated design will make it easy to find information and request services without confusion
• Improved accessibility for Everyone – New features will make the app easy to use.
Attention All Users:
Once the new Merced Connect app launches, residents will need to download the updated version from the Apple or Google Play Store, and create a new account. The current app will be discontinued and will display messages to guide users through the transition.
City officials will provide additional details to ensure a smooth transition.
Stay tuned to the Times, as well.