Free app allows residents to engage with city

Costa Mesa officials announced Tuesday the launch of a new “civic engagement” smartphone application.

Costa Mesa Connect allows users to submit, monitor and view requests for city services, such as graffiti removal and pothole repairs, according to a city news release. Through the free app, photos and precise locations of problems can be conveyed. It also features a translation service to convert non-English requests.

Like the city’s website, Costa Mesa Connect can also be used to get city news, calendar listings and public meeting agendas. The app is available through Apple’s App Store and Google Play.

“This technological innovation harnesses the power of smartphones to allow residents to better engage with their city government,” city CEO Tom Hatch said in a prepared statement. “We are excited for residents to see how easy it is to use and get results.”

— Bradley Zint

Twitter: @bradleyzint