In an article discussing the merits of “bottom up” versus “top down” approaches to smart cities, Salon cited SeeClickFix as “A great example of maximizing the urban interface.” It describes the financial benefits of utilizing SeeClickFix for local governments by leveraging citizen participation, explaining that it “saves local government the expense of monitoring every square foot of the city by itself.”

SeeClickFix was also featured by Mashable as a part of its “Global Innovation Series.” The article details our aspiration to begin to develop a citizen generated knowledge base for cities, in order to begin to answer common municipal questions. As our CEO Ben Berkowitz explains in the article, “Once citizens get feedback to multiple systems, we can empower them to do lots of things.”

Finally, our good friends at the New Haven Independent recently wrote about the ongoing conversations between SeeClickFix and our hometown around enabling the City of New Haven to more fully integrate our platform into its municipal work order system. This would be a great solution for New Haven, and we’re always happy to serve our own neighbors. As The Independent states, “The system will not only help people report problems easier; it will help them get answers to their questions faster.”

All of this positive buzz in the media is of course very encouraging, but we’re not going to let it go to our heads. We continue to focus on enabling more governments and citizens to collaborate to improve their communities. With that said, we’re grateful that our efforts are being recognized, and we hope this attention encourages more citizens to make use of SeeClickFix to bring attention to their concerns within their community.

Macon, GA (April 24, 2012)- The City of Macon is announcing a new way for the public to place service requests and receive real-time status updates through an online and mobile interface. Powered by SeeClickFix, the place-based reporting platform allows residents to document neighborhood concerns and improvements alike, ranging from litter to damaged sidewalks to missing garbage carts. Using this real-time, online reporting system can increase productivity, efficiency, and transparency for many city services and departments.

With the online and mobile reporting application, residents can report concerns through service request categories via the City’s website (www.cityofmacon.net and selecting the “Report An Issue” button on the left side), custom mobile applications for iPhone, Android, and Blackberry via www.seeclickfix.com/apps, a Facebook App, and SeeClickFix.com. The phone apps are free.

The first year of this program is being funded with a $5,000 grant from the Knight Fund for Macon at the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. By funding this effort, it continues the effort to encourage and promote government transparency and civic engagement in Macon and other communities.

“By using this online and mobile program, the public can report concerns in real time, as well as track the progress of their request,” says Macon Mayor Robert Reichert. “This is a way which we can improve citizen engagement and work together to build a sustainable community.”

The interface for reporting issues is very user-friendly, utilizing drop down selection menus and simple clarifying questions. When submitting issues via mobile app, for example, residents can select from a list of issues and provide a description, including location and picture. Once the resident submits an issue, anyone ‘watching’ the area will receive an alert. The City can then acknowledge the service request, route it to the proper department, and update the request—and residents following the issue—once it’s been resolved.

For this initial rollout, the City is using SeeClickFix for issues and concerns that can be addressed by the Public Works Department. This includes issues with streets, garbage, drainage, debris collection, dead animals in the road, graffiti removal, fallen trees, illegal dumping, eviction debris, and more. The Public Works Department was selected due to the high volume of day-to-day issues that they are able to address.

More departments will be added as the system is set up and staff is trained. The next Department to be included in this system will be the Economic and Community Development Department, which handles issues such as residential code enforcement.

The partnership allows residents to not only report community issues, but also view, comment on, and fix problems submitted by their neighbors. Citizens can create their own “watch areas” to receive notifications about all issues reported in their community, enabling them to follow the progress of all service requests – not just the ones they report.

Residents without online or mobile capabilities can still report issues to the City by calling the Customer Service Desk at 751-7400.

About SeeClickFix 
SeeClickFix allows citizens anywhere in the world to report and monitor non-emergency community issues ranging from potholes and planted trees to garbage and graffiti. Launched in 2008, it empowers citizens, community groups, media organizations, and governments to work together and improve their neighborhoods. Through mobile web, web, iPhone, Android, and Blackberry apps, the SeeClickFix platform is the most widely-distributed citizen reporting tool in the country. SeeClickFix supports the Open311 standard that promotes improved communication between local municipalities and the citizens they serve. For more information or to report an issue, visit www.seeclickfix.com.

Bainbridge, GA (April 24, 2012)- Today, the City of Bainbridge announces a new program that will allow residents to report quality-of-life issues and request city services through an online and mobile interface. Powered by SeeClickFix, the place-based reporting platform allows residents to document neighborhood concerns and improvements alike, ranging from junk cars and water leaks to pot holes and malfunctioning traffic signals. 

With the online and mobile reporting platform, residents can report quality-of-life concerns through service request categories via the city’s website, custom mobile applications (iPhone, Android, Blackberry), Facebook App, and SeeClickFix.com. When submitting issues via mobile app, for example, residents can provide locational, descriptive, and photographic information as they see the issue in real time. Once the resident submits an issue, the reporter, the city and anyone ‘watching’ the area will receive an alert. The city can then acknowledge the service request, route it to the proper department, and update the request—and residents following the issue—once it’s been resolved.

The partnership allows residents to not only report community issues, but also view, comment on, and vote to fix problems submitted by their neighbors. Citizens can even create their own “watch areas” to receive notifications about all issues reported in their community, enabling them to follow the progress of all service requests---not just the ones they report.

Citizens can access SeeClickFix from the city’s website, www.bainbridgecity.com. On the left of the homepage under City Services, there is a SeeClickFix button. Residents can also download iPhone, Android, and Blackberry apps here: http://www.seeclickfix.com/apps and those who “like” the City of Bainbridge facebook page can access SeeClickFix from there.

About SeeClickFix
SeeClickFix allows citizens anywhere in the world to report and monitor non-emergency community issues ranging from potholes and planted trees to garbage and graffiti. Launched in 2008, it empowers citizens, community groups, media organizations, and governments to work together and improve their neighborhoods. Through mobile web, web, iPhone, Android, and Blackberry apps, the SeeClickFix platform is the most widely-distributed citizen reporting tool in the country. SeeClickFix supports the Open311 standard that promotes improved communication between local municipalities and the citizens they serve. The platform is fun and asy to use for citizens while being inexpensive and easily adaptable for governments. Over 40 percent of issues reported on SeeClickFix are ultimately resolved. For more information or to report an issue, visit www.seeclickfix.com.

SeeClickFix is all about encouraging engaged and responsible citizenship. Our work primarily revolves around empowering individual citizens who are trying to improve their community. However, we also wanted to take a moment to give a shout out to the businesses that were recognized in a recent Forbes article as exceptional corporate citizens.

Describing the methodology it used to assemble the list, the article states, “The 100 Best Corporate Citizens list, now in its 13th year, ranks companies based on publicly available information in seven categories: environment, climate change, employee relations, human rights, governance, finance, and philanthropy.”

The list contains a lot of notable firms, like IBM, Johnson & Johnson, and Nike. The fact that brands that are known for being so successful at creating impressive profits are also being recognized for being responsible citizens represents a growing consensus amongst business leaders that they can’t focus on their bottom line alone. They also need to be mindful of the perspectives of the people who live in the areas where they work, the impact their processes have on the environment, and the ethical practices of their suppliers. In other words, successful businesses need to become engaged and thoughtful neighbors.

So, join us in celebrating these companies, and keep them in mind the next time you’re considering a purchase.

Here at SeeClickFix, we love us some trees.  We love supporting organizations that encourage community events around trees.  We like planting them ourselves.  We even climb the occasional tree.  The premise of SeeClickFix is that individuals can act to improve their own neighborhoods, so our enthusiasm for trees is largely based on an assumption that their natural beauty improves communities and supports the local environment.  The findings of some recent studies indicate that the benefits of trees may be more quantifiable than we realized.

For instance, a study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania looked into whether an intentional effort to green a neighborhood could reverse the decline of a blighted area.  The studies' found that planting a tree within 50 feet of a house can increase its value by about 9%.  Moreover, Susan Watcher, the Professor who led the study note "People are not only more willing to choose this neighborhood and pay more for living in this neighborhood, but it also spurs other reinvestment."  This virtuous cycle sounds a bit like the work going on at a local underpass, which began with some tree plantings and continue through Inside Out NHV.

The good news does not end there.  A study conducted in Tennessee by The Department of Agriculture determined that the state receives a cumulative benefit of $638 million for just the trees found in urban areas, which breaks down to about $2.25 per tree per year.  This benefit was largely due to the carbon storage capacity of the trees, which cut down on the pollution in the air, thereby enhancing the quality of life and well being for the community.  

To a certain degree, it doesn’t make sense to calculate the contributions that trees make monetarily.  The value a vibrant community brings to its members can’t entirely be captured in dollars.  However, as municipalities continue to be strained financially because of the economy, it’s important to remember how resources like trees enrich neighborhoods.

Toronto, ON (April 18, 2012)- Mayor Rob Ford and Ward 17 Councillor Caesar Palacio officially launched 311 Toronto's new mobile apps today. The mobile apps capture location information and allow a picture to be included as part of the reporting process. The apps can be used to report incidents of graffiti vandalism.

These mobile apps connect directly to 311 Toronto through the Open311 API (Application Programming Interface), so no involvement from 311 Customer Service Representatives is required, making this a highly efficient way to have issues reported to 311 and to get service requests to the appropriate service division for action (e.g. Solid Waste, Transportation Services or Municipal Licensing and Standards).

"This is customer service at its best. These new apps give the public a quick and easy way to report graffiti vandalism using their smart phones," said Mayor Rob Ford.

The two apps currently being offered are the first two private sector companies that have responded to an open call to mobile app developers to participate in this initiative with the City of Toronto.

The "SeeClickFix" app is available for download on Blackberry, iPhone and Android. The "TDOT 311" app is available for iPhones only. Information about the two mobile apps and links to connect to both are available on the City of Toronto website at www.toronto.ca/open311.

The 311 Toronto Contact Centre will continue to handle requests for service over the phone, by email and through the self-serve pages of the City's website.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.7 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
-------
Media Contact: Neil Evans, Director, 311 Toronto, 416-338-7789

Almost a year ago today we told you about a group of citizens in Clarkston, MI using SeeClickFix to improve a dangerous intersection outside of their local high school. Clarkston High School (CHS) Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) President Andrea Schroeder reported Issue #83483: Unsafe signal for left turn through our media partner The Oakland Press. Andrea printed emails from SeeClickFix about her issue and distributed copies to parents at a PTSA meeting. To get even more of her friends and neighbors on board she also started an email chain, forwarding them notifications from our site. Before the issue was featured on the SeeClickFix blog, it had received over 300 votes and dozens of comments from concerned members of the Clarkston community.

Andrea’s commitment to spreading the word about this hazardous turn also captured the attention of the Road Commission for Oakland County, who confirmed that the intersection outside of Clarkston High School was on their radar. Throughout the year, Andrea and others from the CHS community worked with local officials and came to SeeClickFix to post updates and share information about the status of the intersection. This Wednesday, Andrea logged on to finally close the issue she opened last year!

I have great news: the new traffic signals have both been installed! The RCOC is working on the timing of the lights, but this should be cleared up soon. I'm so excited to finally close this issue out as fixed. THANK YOU AGAIN for your consistent support and interest in resolving this important safety issue. Our kids are safer, and Clarkston is a better place for it. THANK YOU!

Andrea was kind enough to email us this photo of the beautiful new left turn light recently installed outside of Clarkston High School. She and the entire Clarkston High School community are perfect examples of how SeeClickFix unites citizens and helps them advocate for resolution to issues in the public space. Congrats to everyone who worked so hard to resolve this problem!

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, Mayor Vincent C. Gray announced the official launch of the District’s new DC311 smartphone app. This free download allows citizens to report service requests from their iPhone or Android mobile devices. Currently, there are over 80 different service requests to choose from, including complaints about trash, potholes, graffiti and illegal dumping.

“The new DC311 app provides another way to achieve a goal I announced during my State of the District Address this year: Making the District government the nation’s best and most responsive at providing services to our residents,” Mayor Gray said. “With this emerging technology, we continue to ensure that the District is a safe and beautiful place for all of our residents and visitors by giving them a tool for real-time collaboration with our government. If you see a pothole, graffiti, or a broken streetlight, you can snap a photo of it and send it directly to 311! Now there is, literally, an app for that – and within 30 seconds you can be on your way to a resolution.”

This new tool, together with the Citywide Call Center and 311Online, is yet another way the community can report a problem. Information from all these sources is funneled into one database for tracking and resolution. The free app automatically pinpoints the location of the reported problem using GPS technology. Registered users can also attach a photo and provide the exact location for the service request. Once the request is submitted, users will receive an e-mail from 311 confirming receipt of the request, including the service request number. They will also receive a follow-up e-mail when the request has been closed by the servicing agency. Citizens can also track the status of their requests any time.

People who are interested in the way that SeeClickFix enables citizens to interact with their government simply and intuitively will probably enjoy Clay Shirky’s book Cognitive Surplus.

The premise of the book is that the internet is enabling individuals to participate in and contribute to collaborative projects that are having profound and positive effects on society.  One of the most well known examples of this phenomenon is is Wikipedia.  We at SeeClickFix were especially interested in the story Shirky tells of "The Responsible Citizens,” in Lahore, Pakistan.  

The Responsible Citizens were a group of Pakistani teens who used facebook to recruit their friends to pick up garbage at a local market that was notoriously messy.  Shirky writes, “Once the three had enough recruits to join them, they showed up on the streets on Sundays, gathering trash from a public market in Anarkali.  Local citizens and merchants at first merely observed, but as the Responsible Citizens kept returning, the locals began to join them.  This new labor, in turn, helped the Citizens expand to other markets in town.”  

The experience of the Responsible Citizens reflects the civic momentum that we observe as more and more areas start to make use of SeeClickFix.  Initially, there are a few early adopters who are especially interested in social media or technology.  Then, average citizens who just want the government to fix the street light on their block start to use it.  As the energy behind SeeClickFix builds in a community, this often leads to early conversations with local governments or media partners who are curious about how they can use our tools to engage with citizens.  

Moreover, with SeeClickFix, community members don’t actually have to personally witness the their neighbors working to improve their community to catch the spirit, as they did in the case of the Responsible Citizens.  Any resident of Washington, DC, or Raleigh, NC, or Oakland, CA can just look at the SeeClickFix map of their city to know about the efforts currently underway to improve the public space in their towns.  This helps to build the type of community enthusiasm that the Responsible Citizens were able to build in Lahore everywhere that people use SeeClickFix. This civic momentum is growing in the United States, but it is not limited to this country.  In fact, there was an issue reported on SeeClickFix not far from Lahore, Pakistan just a few months ago.  I wonder if the teenagers Shirky writes about had something to do with this?

Cognitive Surplus quotes from the Responsible Citizens manifesto: “We wish to nurture in everyone a community spirit.”  This is a complicated, important undertaking, and we’re proud to share in this work with them.

Residents of Pinellas County, Florida, enjoy a sunny climate for much of the year.  Thanks to the diligence of their public officials, they also enjoy the assurance of knowing that their local government subjects itself to rigorous transparency standards that stand up to sunlight. This commitment to transparency was recently recognized by the Sunshine Review, who honored Pinellas County for the second consecutive year with a “Sunny Award.”

According to the organization, “The Sunny Awards recognize governments that are doing an exemplary job proactively disclosing information to taxpayers. There are so many organizations and associations that highlight what is wrong with government. We at Sunshine Review are proud to acknowledge those who are doing it right and setting a transparency standard that all governments can, and should, meet.”  This year, only 214 of the over 6,000 governments that were evaluated by the Sunshine Review earned this distinction.

We are proud that becoming a SeeClickFix client was one of the several important steps that Pinellas County took as a part of a broad effort to use technology to interact with their citizens more transparently.  Citizens are clearly responding enthusiastically.  For instance, in Issue # 152549 Street Light Out, a citizen commented “WOW. This app is great. Thank you Pinellas County. You all are Awesome,” when their concern was promptly addressed.  

Like the Sunshine Review, we at SeeClickFix love taking the opportunity to celebrate a government that is "doing it right."  So, congrats to our friends in Pinellas County; we hope you take a moment to bask in the light of a well deserved honor.

• Proactively and creatively conduct outreach to potential media partners
• Build comprehensive contact lists for the SeeClickFix media sales team
• Assist with demoing our platform to news outlets such as TV stations and newspapers
• Provide support to current SeeClickFix media partners
• Identify trends and opportunities in the local media landscape

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Comfortable in a telesales environment 
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Experience in customer service, sales or marketing a plus
• Familiarity with Cision, Google Analytics a plus  

Ready to earn college credit while gaining valuable experience with New Haven's premier tech start-up? Want to be guaranteed a Summer free of fetching coffee and making photo copies? Send a brief pitch letter telling (or better yet, selling!) us why you're just the person we're looking for, along with your resume, to emma@seeclickfix.com.