It was no April Fool’s joke when the Know Columbia app launched on April 1.

The app is designed to easily connect Columbia residents with their municipal government.

The app provides phone notifications for events, boil orders, traffic detours and other emergency information. 

The feature has been used already as app users who signed up for “push” notifications on their phones were alerted to a tornado warning issued for Monroe County early Tuesday morning. 

During Monday night’s city council meeting, Columbia Director of Information Technology James Mitchell gave an overview of the newly-launched app.

“I think it will be a useful tool for our residents and it will solve a lot of challenges that we’ve had with notifications,” Mitchell said.

In addition to notifications, Mitchell said the system provides information about and interaction with city services such as permitting and licensing, utilities and elected officials. Users may also pay city fees and even check out a book online from Columbia Public Library.

Residents may also now use the app to make requests or file complaints, with the city digitally. 

Mayor Bob Hill noted the app has a feature which allows residents to submit pictures with their requests. For instance, a person may submit an image of a pothole which will aid the city in locating and fixing it. 

Mitchell explained that once a request or complaint is received, it will be routed to the proper city department for consideration.

Users will also be able to track the progress of a submission, including who has viewed the information.

Hill added that if a submission is not addressed within five days, the office of the city administrator will be contacted for review of the situation and to ensure resolution.

“This will give instant feedback to the citizens,” Hill said.

“We hope this will really streamline both the communication with the residents and the people handling the request,” Mitchell said.

“I’m thrilled about this,”  said Ward II Alderman Lauren Nobbe, who described the app as a “one-stop shop” for everything Columbia.

Nobbe was especially enthusiastic about the app’s ability to share event information through notifications and the city calendar.

“So many people say they don’t see things on our Facebook page or they don’t read our newsletters that we send out about events happening in town or things like that, so it’s going to be great,” Nobbe said. “Thank you to everyone who made this happen.”

The app may be downloaded by searching “Know Columbia” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

For more information, visit columbiaillinois.com or find City of Columbia, IL – Government on Facebook.