Denver 311 Day
March 11 is 311 Day! Baltimore established the first 311 service in 1996. It was initially a phone number to call and let the city know about issues, anything from potholes to public safety to infrastructure needs.
Here is the link to submit a request!
Ask for big ideas and small ideas, and say thanks for the changes made. It is true that if you ask for a big idea, you will most likely get a flat “No” as a response. That is okay. Public transit and alternative transportation must be invested in to make a livable city as the city grows. Yet, they face steep opposition. Changing anything in the environment is going to cause backlash. Many of the ways to make a city a better place for humans to be are also unpopular decisions to make. Slowing traffic down causes traffic to flow better and makes the street safer for all involved, yet achieving that takes political will.
If you ask for a diverter to be installed, there is almost a 100% chance it will be denied. This makes sense. This level of change to the environment has to go through a large process. It is a big shift. But you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. And the more this is asked for the easier it is to get eventually. We are building a base. We are getting conversations started. Change doesn’t happen quickly.
Things that will get approved pretty quickly:
Pothole - if you report a pothole in Denver, it will be fixed in a matter of days
Missing No Parking signs near intersections. There are laws about where cars can park and how close to a stop sign or stop light. If you come across an intersection with a car parked in the crosswalk and there isn’t a sign posted about not parking there, you can submit a ticket that will likely result in a sign being put up.
Ask for achievable things! Yes, and also ask for big things that make our city better for people. If you are an urban design nerd who has been reading about curb bump-outs and raised crosswalks, you have a unique view. It can be surprising how few people actually engage in this type of conversation. Politicians don’t necessarily know anything about urban design. If you mainly walk and bike around, you have a much different experience of the city than someone in a vehicle. You notice things. You can tell that an intersection isn’t safe. You notice that a stoplight is broken. You are the eyes of the city. You can participate in making it better. 311 isn’t magic. It won’t grant every wish you have, but it is a start.
One of my favorite ways to use 311 is to say thanks! When an improvement is made make sure to send a note of thanks. Denver is in a moment of transition. We are beginning to connect some bike lanes. We are adding some actual infrastructure with concrete meant to protect people. We have lowered the speed limit in many places. Make sure that the folks taking the risks to make these changes are not just hearing the negative voices of folks protesting change. Make sure they hear from the folks that have been wanting this for decades. Send a quick thank you.