1-5 Quick Fix: Apps Solving Problems

Have you ever noticed a small problem in your neighborhood—like a flickering streetlight, an overflowing garbage can, or a crack in the sidewalk—and wished you could easily report it? Many cities now use "civic tech" apps to help residents report these small issues, or micro-fixes. These tools connect citizens directly with city services, making it easier to improve our communities together. In this lesson, we'll explore how to use these tools effectively to propose respectful, actionable solutions to local problems.

Think about the last week. What is one small, tiny problem in your neighborhood or on your way to school that annoyed you? It could be anything!

• A pothole in the road
• Graffiti on a wall
• A broken park bench
• A public garbage can that is always full

Turn to a partner and share your "tiny civic problem." Why does it bother you? (2-3 minutes)

In Vancouver, Canada, residents can use an app called Van311 to report problems. Using an app like this is a powerful way to communicate with the city. However, to get results, a report must be clear, concise, and actionable. Let's look at how to make a good report.

Most civic apps ask you to choose a category. For example, Van311 includes:

• delete Garbage & Recycling
• brush Graffiti
• park Parks, Trees & Recreation
• edit_road Streets & Sidewalks
• water_drop Water, Sewers & Drainage

After choosing a category, you need to provide three key pieces of information:

1. Precise Location: Where is the problem? Use a specific street address or cross-street. Near the park is not helpful. On the corner of Robson St. and Thurlow St. is much better.
2. A Clear Photo: A picture shows the problem instantly. Make sure the photo is not blurry and clearly shows the issue.
3. A Concise Description: Describe the problem clearly and respectfully in a few words.