Mayor's 2008 Proposed Budget Introduces New
311 Service
Dear Friends,
During last winter's windstorm, I stood before the press and read a list of eight different numbers for people to call for non-emergency services. That is unacceptable and we must do better.
In my 2008 proposed budget, I have included $9 million to create a new
service called 311. It is essentially a one-stop shop for all the services
we provide, whether it is helping a homeless person, fixing a street
sign, identifying power outages, or filling a pothole. Already in place
in several other cities around the nation, 311 is much more than a new
call center and telephone number. It is a fundamental change of attitude that
will make government more open, more accountable, more inclusive and
more responsive.
This new approach gives people an easy-to-remember number to call, and it allows us to ensure that all requests are being handled as quickly and effectively as possible. It will consist of a call center staffed for extended hours, possibly 24 hours every day. Staff will either be able to respond to some issues directly, or transfer the caller to the appropriate department using work management software, which will also track responses to the request. This will allow City leaders to monitor organizational performance and identify issues that may require new policy or budgetary responses.
We expect to open the center in mid-2009.
I'll present my 2008 proposed budget to the Seattle City Council at 2 p.m., Monday, September 17. You can watch the speech live on the Seattle Channel - Cable Channel 21, if you're not able to attend in person.
And at 7:00 pm, I'll be answering your questions during a live broadcast of Ask the Mayor on the Seattle Channel. Join the conversation by dialing (206) 684-8821 during the show or email anytime before the show to: askthemayor@seattle.gov.
Sincerely,
GREG NICKELS
Mayor of Seattle
Posted: September 17, 2007
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