Communication with your city government just got a whole lot easier! We're excited to announce that TextMyGov is now live in Riverside, bringing city services directly to your phone through simple text messaging. 📱💬
Making Government More Accessible
We know that not everyone has time to call during business hours or visit city hall in person. That's why we've partnered with TextMyGov to meet you where you are – on your mobile phone, available 24/7.
Whether you're reporting a pothole on your morning commute or need information about upcoming street cleaning, help is now just a text away.
How TextMyGov Works
Getting started is as simple as sending a text:
📲 Text "RIVERSIDE" to 555-311
That's it! You'll receive a welcome message and can immediately start:
- Reporting issues like broken streetlights, graffiti, or road problems
- Getting information about city services, hours, and contact details
- Receiving alerts about emergencies, road closures, and community events
- Tracking requests you've submitted to the city
What You Can Do
🚧 Report Issues
- Potholes and road damage
- Broken or dim streetlights
- Graffiti and vandalism
- Overflowing trash cans
- Sidewalk problems
- Traffic signal malfunctions
- Code violations
ℹ️ Get Information
- City office hours and locations
- Upcoming events and meetings
- Trash and recycling schedules
- Permit requirements and processes
- Park and facility information
- Contact details for specific departments
🚨 Stay Informed
- Emergency alerts and notifications
- Road closures and construction updates
- Weather-related service changes
- Community meeting reminders
- Special event announcements
Real Results, Real Fast
"I reported a streetlight outage at 11 PM on a Sunday, and by Tuesday morning I got a text that it was fixed. This is exactly what we needed!" - Maria Santos, Downtown Resident
Since our pilot launch last month, we've seen impressive results:
| Metric | Results |
|---|---|
| Average Response Time | Under 2 hours during business days |
| Issue Resolution | 78% resolved within 48 hours |
| Resident Satisfaction | 94% positive feedback |
| Most Reported Issue | Streetlight outages (32% of reports) |
Sample Conversations
Reporting a Pothole:
- You: "There's a large pothole on Main St near the library"
- TextMyGov: "Thanks! We've created request #2024-1156. You'll get updates as we work on this. Estimated repair: 3-5 business days."
Getting Information:
- You: "What are the library hours?"
- TextMyGov: "Riverside Public Library: Mon-Thu 9AM-8PM, Fri-Sat 9AM-5PM, Sun 1PM-5PM. Address: 456 Library Lane. Phone: (555) 123-BOOK"
Following Up:
- You: "Status on request 2024-1156"
- TextMyGov: "Your pothole report is scheduled for repair tomorrow (Nov 12). Work crew dispatched at 8AM. Thanks for your patience!"
Privacy & Security
Your privacy is our priority:
- No personal information required beyond your phone number
- Secure messaging platform with encrypted communications
- Opt-out anytime by texting "STOP"
- Data protection following all city privacy policies
Tips for Best Results
✅ Do:
- Be specific about locations (include street addresses or nearby landmarks)
- Include photos when helpful (send after your initial text)
- Use keywords like "pothole," "streetlight," or "graffiti"
- Be patient – we'll respond as quickly as possible
❌ Avoid:
- Emergency situations (always call 911)
- Lengthy messages (keep initial reports concise)
- Multiple texts for the same issue
- Inappropriate language or content
Beyond Basic Reporting
TextMyGov isn't just for problems – it's your connection to city services:
Upcoming Features:
- Bill payment reminders and balance inquiries
- Permit status updates for applications in progress
- Event notifications based on your interests
- Neighborhood-specific alerts for your area
- Multi-language support (Spanish coming December 2024)
Community Impact
TextMyGov is already making a difference:
- 40% faster issue reporting compared to phone calls
- Reduced wait times at city offices
- Increased engagement from residents who previously didn't report issues
- Better data helping us identify problem areas and trends
Getting Your Neighbors Connected
Help us spread the word! Share TextMyGov with:
- Neighbors who might not know about city services
- Local businesses that could benefit from quick issue reporting
- Community groups and neighborhood associations
- Social media using #TextMyGovRiverside
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does it cost anything to use? A: No! Standard text messaging rates from your carrier apply, but the service is free.
Q: What if I don't get a response? A: You should receive an acknowledgment within a few hours. If not, try texting "HELP" for assistance.
Q: Can I send photos? A: Yes! After your initial report, you can send photos to help us better understand the issue.
Q: What about emergencies? A: Always call 911 for emergencies. TextMyGov is for non-emergency city services only.
Start Texting Today!
Ready to experience a new level of city service?
📱 Text "RIVERSIDE" to 555-311 right now!
Join the hundreds of residents already using TextMyGov to make our city better, one text at a time.
For more information, visit riversideca.gov/textmygov or contact our Digital Services team at (555) 123-TECH.
Your city, your phone, your voice – all connected! 🏛️📱
TextMyGov is available 24/7 for reporting and information. City staff respond to messages during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM) with emergency issues prioritized.
