How New Haven, CT Uses Civic Technology for Code Enforcement

What was the Problem?

Code Enforcement lacked efficiency in cities being able to respond to complaints actively from citizens in their communities. Phone traffic would often be overwhelming for members serving their community, and often, there would be a concern about not accurately documenting concerns coming from citizens.

What Solution Did They Implement?

New Haven, Connecticut, introduced SeeClickFix as a technological fix to respond to community concerns and improve the city’s response to requests of concerns ranging from blight to code violations.

What was the Result?

SeeClickFix equipped the Neighborhood Specialists working in the Livable Cities Initiative with a strong tool to support the community better. Initially, there was a bit of fear at transitioning to a new technological program, but the fears of technology facing an influx of internet trolls or spam have not come to fruition.

It was noted that SeeClickFix lacked a significant learning curve due to its effectiveness in streamlining requests to various departments and being a program with an easy-to-learn user experience. SeeClickFix helped communities deal with issues ranging from occupied properties to community beautification efforts, and the technology increased efficiency, transparency, and accountability. Efficiency was improved due to a better organizational handle for tracking community concerns.

SeeClickFix provided an interactive map that could help leaders analyze patterns that never would have been noticed without incorporating this new technology. Transparency was improved due to rapid real-time response as concerns would be alleviated, and Neighborhood Specialists would be dispatched to handle problems. Finally, efficiency was improved by improving the available data for Neighborhood Specialists to be sent effectively to areas where they’re most needed.