- April 17, 2024
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Palm Coast residents who want to contact the city government or get information about city services now have a new way to do it — through the city's new, mobile-friendly website and app, which went live on June 4.
The website/app is called Palm Coast Connect and accessible at www.palmcoastconnect.com or through a tile on the city's main webpage at www.palmcoastgov.com. It lets residents report concerns such as potholes and code violations — and upload a photo, if needed — and track the city's response; read a library of articles on the city's information center; or apply for utility service or transfer service to a new address.
Reports can also be filed anonymously.
“One of the best things about Palm Coast Connect is that our customers will be notified as their concern is addressed and when it’s completed,” Palm Coast Customer Service Manager Cynthia Schweers said. “In the past we weren’t able to get back with the resident to explain what we did to solve a problem. Now they’ll get emails and be able to sign into Palm Coast Connect to see the progress. It will cut down on phone calls and trips to City Hall.”
When residents open the site, text will pop up on the screen, asking, "How can we help?” Residents can then ask questions or type keywords into a search box to find information. Palm Coast Connect links to a database of more that 50 articles with information on topics like applying for a building permit, code violations, and garbage and recycling.
"It really forms a connection, a valuable connection, with our residents, and it allows our management team to make better decisions and allows us as a council to make wise budgetary decisions," Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland said at a City Council meeting the evening of June 3.
She said she hopes many people will use it.
"We want you to share this with your neighbors, your organizations," she said. "We are launching a very aggressive marketing campaign."
Councilman Jack Howell said marking is critical.
"We've got seniors that are techno-phobic," he said. "What we have to do as a part of the marking strategy is to hold classes at various places where we can walk them through it. Then I think they'll see the utility of the labor that's been put into this."
Holland said that's part of the city's marketing strategy. And, she noted, residents who don't want to use the new technology can still call City Hall.
"It doesn't take away the ability for our residents that still prefer that," she said. "But 100%, the key is really the emphases on getting that engagement."
The site will also streamline work for city staff, consolidating the different software systems used by various city departments, automating work orders and prioritizing resources, according to Palm Coast Public Information Officer Cindi Lane. A management dashboard will let city staff members analyze data.
For more information, call Customer Service at 386-986-2360.
