The Woodlands Township has launched TheWoodlands311, a new free mobile app that acts as a platform from which residents can access township information and government services from their smartphone.

The free app debuted March 28, five days after the township’s board of directors approved the launch. The app was created through a partnership with PublicStuff, a civic software company.

Nick Wolda, director of community relations for The Woodlands Township, said the app was developed after township leaders sought to provide easier access to governmental matters and information to residents. 

“We’re always looking for the best and quickest way that constituents can communicate with their local government,” Wolda said. “We have landlines, websites and human interaction at what’s called a resident care center. We thought other people might want something different and simple with just a human touch.”

Wolda said more than 300 users have downloaded the app since March 28. With the app, residents can take and submit pictures to officials, track and view service requests and view information about township services and upcoming events. Township staff will respond to submitted requests and provide residents with status updates and comments on requests.

William Pham, information technology director for the township, said the app also features in-app widgets that offer residents additional resources.

“The widgets link the residents to information found on the township’s website, such as the township news, events, social media, transportation and where to shop and eat,” Pham said. “The main goal was to provide the residents increased access to easily report issues and receive updates as it gets fixed.”

The diverse Woodlands community was also taken into account as TheWoodlands311 app supports 17 languages through its One Voice Translation feature, Wolda said.

When a resident uses a foreign language on the app, it will automatically be translated for township officials to read. When any status updates or comments are sent back to the resident, the message will be translated back to the resident’s language.

“We’re very culturally diverse here,” Wolda said. “[The app] covers a vast majority of languages. There are people from around the world who visit and live here.”

Residents can download The Woodlands311 app for free at the app store for iPhone users and on Google Play for Android users.