Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/973092
12 UCW APRIL 25-MAY 1, 2018 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM City Launches New App to Better Communicate with Residents The City of Fayetteville has launched a new app to help residents access City-related information in a very user- friendly format using their smart phones. The app is tied directly to the City's mobile-friendly website, which was completely redesigned in 2015. This is the next step in the process of helping residents more easily find the information they need to connect with their City. "We are excited to announce the launch of our app, as it will greatly enhance residents' ability to find information quickly and easily," said Kevin Arata, Corporate Communication Director for the City of Fayetteville. "The app will make it easy to access those features and content most-visited on our website, without requiring a lot of effort on their part. It also puts us on par with other large cities that offer apps for their residents, to be able to better communicate with residents beyond what our website currently accomplishes." Some of the key features of the app include links to information about and related to our elected officials, recreation and attractions, city news, major transportation assets within the city and utility contact information. A unique feature of the app is the ability to create interactive maps highlighting such special events as the Dogwood Festival, where residents can learn about the locations of various festival vendors and the multiple concerts taking place throughout the festival. Another interactive map on the app is the Arts Council's Work in Progress sculptures that are placed strategically across the downtown area; photos of each of the 12 sculptures are listed by location, along with information about the artist and what inspired them to create their work of art. The app allows someone using their smart phone to locate and easily walk to each of the sculptures throughout the downtown area. Push notifications are also possible with this app, allowing the Corporate Communications department to send information to those who download the app. In emergency situations, such when Hurricane Matthew ravaged the City in 2017, all those with the app will receive instant message alerts related to such events directly affecting residents. Residents are encouraged to download the app, titled Fayetteville NC, which is available for free in the Apple App Store for iPhones and Google Play for Android devices. Citizens Academy Being Held on May 11 The next Fayetteville Citizens Academy class is being held on Friday, May 11 in City Hall Council Chamber, located at 433 Hay St. Class begins at 8:30 a.m. and features the Finance, Budget, Strategic Planning, Human Relations and Economic & Community Development departments. Applicants must be City of Fayetteville residents and the class size is limited to 25 residents. This session will conclude at or before 4 p.m. To apply, log onto www.FayettevilleNC.gov/citizensacademy, fill out the application and email it to Nathan Walls at nwalls@ci.fay.nc.us. The application window closes Friday, May 4 and applicants will be notified of their acceptance by close of business on Monday, May 7. Residents will interact with department directors and staff of each department and engage in hands-on learning activities that familiarizes them with the functions of the departments. Lunch will be provided and residents are asked to dress appropriately for the weather in business casual attire. As a reminder, this Citizens Academy class is a one-day session that will allow for more residents to attend the quarterly sessions. This new format differs from the previous seven-week nightly Citizens Academy held in years past where residents attended all sessions. Sign Up For the City's E-Newsletter The City of Fayetteville unveiled a new citizen E-newsletter titled City Happenings. The E-newsletter keeps residents informed of what the City is doing to support them. It is published to subscribers every two weeks on a Mondays. Content will include news releases, videos produced by FayTV, a data center with links to important information on the City website (calendar, Permits, Council District Finder, Council meeting agendas, Open Data Portal, TracStat, etc.) and recent news articles relevant to the City. It will be aesthetically pleasing to see and read. Residents can subscribe by directly clicking: http://eepurl.com/dj4W5T. Citizens can also subscribe to the E-Newsletter on the City's website under Around the City by logging onto www.FayettevilleNC.gov. There is also a subscription link at the top of the website that says: "Subscribe to e-News." 433 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28301-5537 www.FayettevilleNC.gov (910) 433-1FAY (1329) /cityoffayettevillegovernment Insta Follow Your City on Social Media: Engaging You About Your City Government Engaging You About Your City Government KENNETH MAYNER, MPA, Chief Branding Officer, City of Faye eville Corporate Communica ons Department, Contribu ng Writer.