November 17, 2011 - Harford County Executive David R. Craig has announced the latest initiative in an effort to help citizens communicate more efficiently and effectively with their government. Harford County Connect is a real-time mobile civic engagement application, which provides a free and simple way for people to use a smartphone to report community problems to government.

“It has often been said that a picture is worth a thousand words, and with Harford County Connect, our citizens can quickly and easily bring an issue of concern to the attention of their government,” stated County Executive Craig. “Harford County Connect is available for iPhones, iPad, and iPod Touch, as well as Android, Blackberry and Windows Smartphones,” County Executive Craig reported.

“Harford County Connect” uses an application produced by CitySourced Mobile Communications of Los Angeles, California. The mobile application allows citizens to take photos of a potential problem, such as potholes, fallen trees, graffiti, among other things, and transmit the information directly to government officials.

The CitySourced application assists both the user and county government by providing GPS coordinates and address information which is transmitted with the photo. Additionally, the program allows the user to report more detailed information by including a description of the problem or issue, thus providing government agencies with the particulars of the citizens concern or issue.

In a short amount of time, citizens utilizing “Harford County Connect” can provide county government with relevant, authoritative and actionable data. Furthermore, the application allows direct feedback from county government to users by providing feedback and progress reports on the concerns that were reported, thus promoting transparency in government.

Citizens who do not have access to a smartphone or who do not wish to use the mobile app can still utilize the technology by submitting issues of concern through the county’s website. To access this webpage, and to find out how to download the application to compatible types of smartphones, visit www.harfordcountymd.gov/CitySourced.

“Harford County Connect is another tool which we are implementing to assist the citizens of Harford County in bringing matters of concern to the attention of their government for prompt resolution,” stated County Executive Craig.