Have a concern about something in Lathrop that you think warrants attention from the City or its departments?
There’s an app for that.
On Monday the City of Lathrop announced the release of the Lathrop Cares mobile phone application which will allow residents to report things like graffiti, vandalism, illegal dumping, traffic concerns, sidewalks, potholes, street lights that are out, and issues with sidewalks – all from the convenience of your mobile phone.
The app can be found on both the Apple App Store and on Google Play for Android Devices by searching for Lathrop Cares.
Once concerns are shared via the app, the issue is then routed to the appropriate department so that action can be taken towards correcting it – whether that is replacing a streetlight or cleaning up vandalism at a local park.
Lathrop now joins a host of other South County municipalities that have incorporated mobile applications into their repertoire – hoping that making it easy for residents to participate in the civic process will spur engagement while improving convenience for residents.
The City of Manteca has had a mobile app for a number of years for similar purposes, and earlier this year the Ripon Consolidated Fire District launched its own mobile app that made it easier for residents to stay informed about issues facing the agency and more clearly identify the staff and the personnel that serve the community.
Lathrop’s app also includes some of the features that have been utilized in other government mobile apps such as the “Nail ‘Em” app that allows residents to take photographs of people using illegal aerial fireworks and then report those people to the authorities for enforcement action. Those reporting issues in the community on Lathrop’s new app will have the chance to take pictures of the issue that will allow city staff to see exactly what the reporting party sees – further promoting clarity and ensuring that the correct issue is addressed.
For more than a decade, government agencies across the country have been utilizing technological platforms as a way of promoting wider engagement with the community – an idea born out of a digital government strategy promoted by the Obama administration. More than one-third of all traffic to official government websites comes from mobile apps.
In addition to reporting issues, the Lathrop Cares app also includes links to the city’s social media accounts, links to agendas and minutes for official city meetings, and a link to the city’s municipal code. Users will also find a link to transport them to the city’s payment portal for utilities.
To find the app, visit the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store for Android phones and search for “Lathrop Cares” in the search bar.
To contact Bulletin reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.
