TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to facilitate the creation of a Long Beach City Smartphone Application, and report back to City Council in 60 days on the progress and costs of implementation.
DISCUSSION
Technology is rapidly changing the way cities respond to municipal concerns and communicate with residents. Both the cities of Boston and Pittsburg are on the cutting edge of new technology and have created smart phone applications for city services.
A city phone application - "LB City App" - would be useful to both residents and city staff. A resident would be able to take a photo of graffiti or other neighborhood blights, the GPS would tag its precise location, and the blight would be reported to the appropriate department almost instantly. The LB City App could also provide the same service for potholes, sidewalk damage, and similar issues needing city staff attention.
LB City App would be an invaluable tool for the thousands of smart phone users in Long Beach. In particular, it would be incredibly effective in engaging youth, increasing efficiency, and fostering civic pride.
These applications are not expensive to create, and will create a significant return on investment.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
COUNCILMEMBER ROBERT GARCIA
FIRST DISTRICT
COUNCILMEMBER GARY DELONG
THIRD DISTRICT
COUNCILMEMBER PATRICK O'DONNELL
FOURTH DISTRICT