Houston introduces new citizen portal to help city 'better handle increased demand'

Houston has recently introduced its newly enhanced citizen portal for city service requests, city information or to report non-emergency issues by dialing 311.

The public can report problems such as nuisance on properties, potholes, sewer wastewater, traffic signal maintenance, trash dumping or illegal dumpsite, water leak, or other problems.

“The new, innovative system is a significant accomplishment for the City of Houston,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a statement. “Last fiscal year, we prioritized the development of a new 311 system by funding it through the CIP process. In nine short months, HITS and ARA were able to take that investment and develop a 311 system that modernizes 20-year-old technology and creates a platform that equips the city to better handle increased demand.”

Service requests can be made in three ways. Residents may call 311 (or 713- 837-0311 for non-local numbers), use apps through Apple or Google Play or log on to the web portal.

The new system utilizes a virtual agent, thus reducing wait times and overall call volumes at the 311 call center. The call center receives approximately 2.2 million contacts and creates around 450,000 service requests yearly.

Houstonians are encouraged to download the app.