City rolls out new online tools

Sep. 5, 2016

The city of Garland has launched several new online tools to better engage residents and visitors.

The city’s website, GarlandTx.gov, is now mobile friendly. The new “responsive design” platform rolled out during the last week of January to make the website and its functions easier to navigate for smartphone and tablet users.

“More and more people are using smartphones and tablets as their primary devices for accessing our online services,” said Public & Media Relations Director Dorothy White. “We’re glad that people can better access their city services on the go!”

The city also wants to leverage its digital presence to increase its interactions with Garland residents and other stakeholders. The city has launched a new citizen engagement portal called Engage Garland. Topics for discussion, idea-sharing, and feedback will be posted each month. Participants can create an account to join the conversation and can share their ideas on Facebook and Twitter, too. city leaders will join the conversation as well, providing a two-way dialog. The portal can be accessed through the city’s website or directly at EngageGarlandTx.mindmixer.com.

The city is also opening up even more opportunities for residents to request specific city services, report issues and ask questions. Garland eAssist provides an online platform for such activities that are accessible from the city’s website and, in a few weeks, from an app that can be downloaded to smartphones and tablets. Once a service request is entered, or an issue such as a pothole or graffiti is reported, the user can track the progress on an interactive map or choose to receive a notification via text, email or phone call.

“We have a good list of services that can be requested online via Garland eAssist, and we will continue to add services during the coming months including the ability to report power outages and street light outages,” said Kevin Slay, managing director of Customer Service. “Within a few weeks, we will launch a mobile app to allow people even more convenience. You’ll be able to take a picture of an issue, and upload it straight to us along with GPS coordinates.”

For more information or to access these services, visit GarlandTx.gov. Also watch for updates on the city of Garland Facebook page and on Twitter, @GarlandTxgov.

Information provided by city of Garland.

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