Carteret, NJ – Mayor Dan Reiman has announced that the Borough has launched a new mobile app – “MyCarteret” – that allows residents to directly report issues such as a pothole or graffiti and track the resolution of their request via mobile phone or online. The application is part of a comprehensive technology strategy Carteret has adopted to become a leading digital community and an additional tool to enhance civic engagement.
Using “MyCarteret,” residents can submit a service request simply by downloading the app, selecting from a menu of service request types, and sending it directly to the Borough. The app also allows residents to take a picture of the problem and send it in, and the app automatically knows the location of the problem (GPS and location services must be enabled on mobile device and may vary). Submitters can follow their request, from the initial report to resolution, right from their phones. Issues can also be reported via the web.
During the beta release, residents will be able to report a limited number of issues such as, graffiti, missed street sweeping, storm drains, as well as streets and roadways including potholes and street and traffic light problems. In addition to reporting problems, residents can receive emergency notifications from the Borough on “MyCarteret.”
The Borough partnered with PublicStuff, an innovative customer relationship management software company, to launch the app and digital communication solution. Since “My Carteret” was launched, more than 250 residents have downloaded the app to report issues ranging from graffiti to a broken curb.
“’MyCarteret’ is a way to literally put in the hands of our citizens their ability to help solve problems, identify issues in our community and share in the management of the town itself,” said Reiman.
The app also supports multiple languages through One Voice – Instant Translation feature, allowing all Carteret residents who don’t speak English the ability to access city services and submit requests in their native language automatically from their smartphones.
“Releasing My Carteret is a major milestone in our strategy to deliver smarter, digital city capabilities to our community,” Mayor Reiman added. “This app begins the process to make more services available to our residents wherever they are, whatever time they want, and from a multitude of devices. This solution provides improved reporting and process management, and we expect the quality and performance of our local government will continue to rise.”
“PublicStuff is very excited to have the Borough of Carteret on board and help provide their residents with more access to city services,” founder and CEO of PublicStuff Lily Liu said. “As the technology capital of the world, we are happy to give residents the ability to make community improvements right from their mobile devices and talk to their local government officials with this easy-to-use and efficient service.”
“MyCarteret” is a free app and is available in the Apple and Google app stores for immediate use. To access any of the “MyCarteret” services, go to www.carteret.net. Feedback on suggestions for other types of service requests or technical issues can be sent to tech@publicstuff.com.
Headquartered in New York City and Philadelphia, PublicStuff helps local governments turn civic inquiries into tangible community improvements by connecting people directly to their city representatives. PublicStuff’s digital communications solution provides the easiest, most efficient way for civic leaders to interact with their communities. Today, more than 200 cities are using PublicStuff’s platform and free, easy-to-use mobile app to improve access to city services. For more information, visit www.PublicStuff.com.
