Howard County Launches App for Reporting Issues to Government

Want to report a pothole or let the county know that a sign has been knocked down? How about alerting authorities to graffiti?

There’s an app for all that!

Howard County recently released “Tell HoCo,” an application available in the Apple iTunes Store and Google Play, County Executive Ken Ulman announced Wednesday.

“Our public works department and recreation and parks staff have been using it for a couple of months to track their work and monitor their progress,” Ulman said. “This is eliminating paperwork, and making our crews more efficient.”

Now, users outside the government can get connected with the app as well.

First, citizens have to register; then they can report issues, check on the progress of issues they have reported and see what other things have been reported in their communities, according to a statement from Howard County government.

Council Vice Chair Courtney Watson said the app will be particularly useful for citizens in Howard County, whom she referred to as “serial reporters.” These engaged constituents now have the capability to report issues anytime, day or night, and even include photos and videos with their submissions.

Primarily, the app handles parks and recreation and public works issues, according to Howard County Director of Technology Chris Merdon. He said other departments will be added in the next year.

According to Ulman, the app is the first of its kind in the area: “This is the first place in Maryland that is using this app to bring real-time solutions to the citizens of Howard County.”

The app is availble for iPhone and Android, or people may file a report using Tell Hoco online.