Jackson Web App Keeps You in Touch

The City of Jackson announced the launch of a free web app that is available for download and use by anyone with a cell phone.  The Jackson app was announced during the June 15, 2020 meeting of the Board of Aldermen by Mayor Dwain Hahs as the newest way to connect with citizens.

The City partnered with developer DeLaPorte & Associates, Inc., of Dallas, Texas, to create the app, the purpose of which is to add a more consumer-friendly social communication tool to the City’s public information systems.  We hope to expand the reach and ease of our communication to the public.  Currently, we are utilizing utility bills, news releases, Facebook, and the City of Jackson website.

The Jackson app was designed by the developer at no charge and offers the notification feature at a small fee to the City.  There is no charge to the app user and the number of your mobile phone cannot be used for any other purpose. 

The new app will feature access to the following City resources:

• Posts that include information to help assist customers.  These posts will include social media announcements much like Facebook posts.

• Videos which can be informational and instructional.

• Files which could include written information, such as timely information about the COVID-19 Virus and how to protect yourself.

• Alerts or notifications which can be time-sensitive information such as water main breaks, electric outages, or road closures.  (Residents will have the option to be notified when these alerts are released.  The alerts can arrive as a push notification on the phone or by a text alert.  These would be similar to the weather alerts that some apps now use.)

• Links to official meeting schedules and agendas.

• City employment opportunities

• Public safety alerts

• Recreation opportunities in the City Parks

• A future event calendar which includes events the City of Jackson has organized or events where outside organizations have applied for and received a Special Event Permit.

Mayor Hahs, who spearheaded the City’s initiative to develop an official Jackson app applauded the final deployment.  “This app is a must-have for Jackson residents, visitors, and professionals.  Because technology is certainly a large and essential part of our everyday activities, arrival of this new tool is great news for everyone here Jackson,” said Hahs.  “It is our hope the new app will continue to grow and that we can further increase access to local government and the Jackson community.  We are always looking to centralize information and resources for our customers.”

Below are the directions as to how to download the app to your phone.  Below are the directions as to how to download the app to your phone.  On your cell phone, open your web browser (e.g. Safari, Chrome) and go to this website:

https://cityofjacksonmissouri.notifyrightnow.app/

How do I save my app to my phone?

Android

·         Launch “Chrome” app.

·         Open the website or web page you want to pin to your home screen.

·         Tap the menu icon (3 dots in upper right-hand corner) and tap Add to home screen.

·         You’ll be able to enter a name for the shortcut and then Chrome will add it to your home screen.

iPad or iPhone

1.      Launch “Safari” app.  This does not work from the “Chrome” app.

2.      Enter into the address field the URL of the website you want to create a shortcut to. Tap “Go.”

3.      Tap the icon featuring a right-pointing arrow coming out of a box along the top of the Safari window to open a drop-down menu.

4.      Tap “Add to Home Screen.” The Add to Home dialog box will appear, with the icon that will be used for this website on the left side of the dialog box.

5.      Enter the name for the shortcut using the on-screen keyboard and tap “Add.” Safari will close automatically and you will be taken to where the icon is located on your device’s home screen.

Frequently asked questions can be found at https://notifyrightnow.com/faq#home

Please email info@jacksonmo.org with questions or technical issues about the web app.

For more information about the app, please contact Mayor Dwain Hahs at (573) 243-3568, ext. 2013.