Jan. 15 Ward 8 meeting
Covered by Documenter Britt Oliver (see her notes here)
One year after launch, Akron residents have made 13,233 service requests using the app MyAkron311. Launched in January 2024, the app gives Akron residents another option to report their non-emergency concerns across the city.
In addition to the app, residents can log concerns using the 311 phone hotline, which launched in 2017, along with the 311 website.
The app allows users to submit and track service requests for problems such as potholes, missed trash pickups and streetlight outages. Residents can also use it to monitor seasonal services such as leaf removal and snow plowing.
The most common requests submitted through the app include bulk trash pickups, requests to plow/salt a street, and garbage cart requests or issues.
On average, requests are resolved in 6.82 days, according to city data shared with Signal Akron.
While Akron’s 311 call center has processed 75,019 phone requests since its inception, the app continues to grow as a tool for submitting and tracking issues. In addition to the app and phone number, city departments have received 3,389 direct calls that they put into the system.
City officials said they are pleased with the app’s progress and encourage more residents to take advantage of it.
“It’s the most efficient way to notify the city of an issue and have it resolved,” said Stephanie Marsh, who handles communications for the city..
What can I report using the Akron 311 app?
The app, hotline and website are set up to accept reports and requests in a variety of areas, including:
- Animals — vicious bites, stray and dead animals, barking and other nuisance complaints.
- High grass or weeds — neighbors not taking care of their lawn as well as other neglected properties around the city.
- Housing and property — vacant properties, concerns about neighbors, sidewalk repairs, junk or abandoned vehicles, trash, utility or heat cutoff.
- Parks and trees — litter, storm damage, tree insects, removal or trimming.
- Sanitation and recycling – cart requests or issues, illegal dumping, medical waiver form, missed recycling or trash, bulk pickup requests.
- Snow and ice — requests for street plowing or salting, snowplow tracker issues.
- Spin scooters (yes, it has its own category) – concerns with commercial scooters around the city.
- Streets and highways — debris cleanup, construction issues, potholes and pavement repairs, resurfacing requests, sidewalk petition, leaf pickup, street lights and street sweeping.
- Traffic control — paint requests, sign repair or requests, traffic signal problems including outages or damage.
- Water and sewer — general requests, fire hydrant damage or inspection, water quality concerns, low pressure issues and leaks.
Beyond service requests, the app and website also offer quick links to city resources, including:
- City Council updates
- Upcoming Lock 3 events
- Water bill payment
- Leaf removal dashboard
- Trash delay calendar
Users can also view reports from their neighborhoods to check if an issue has already been flagged, reducing duplicate submissions. Requests can be submitted anonymously.
Other helpful three-digit numbers to know
211 – Calling 211 in Summit County connects you to the United Way of Summit & Medina, which provides access to local resources, including tax assistance, baby supplies, housing support and more. Visit 211summit.org to browse available services.
811 – Before digging in your yard for projects like planting shrubs or installing irrigation lines, call 811 or visit oups.org to locate underground utility lines. This helps prevent injury, property damage and service disruptions.
911 – Dialing 911 connects you to emergency dispatchers who can send medical, fire or police assistance.988 – Individuals or their loved ones who are facing mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance-use concerns or a suicidal crisis can call or text 988 (or visit 988lifeline.org) for free, confidential support from trained counselors.