October 11, 2012
Open 311
Published by:
OD4D
Tags:
Data Catalog, democratic control, governmental services, Innovation, public data, transparency
3-1-1 is a number well known in some cities of the United States and Canada, where citizens can notify the authorities about situations that are not urgent like non working traffic lights, illegal burning, roadway problems, etc. The goal is to leave the number 9-1-1 for those emergencies that really need immediate attention.
Open 311 “provides open channels of communication for issues that concern public space and public services. Using a mobile device or a computer, someone can enter information (ideally with a photo) about a problem at a given location. This report is then routed to the relevant authority to address the problem. What’s different from a traditional 311 report is that this information is available for anyone to see and it allows anyone to contribute more information. By enabling collaboration on these issues, the open model makes it easier to collect and organize more information about important problems. By making the information public, it provides transparency and accountability for those responsible for the problem. Transparency also ensures that everyone’s voice is heard and in-turn encourages more participation”.
