SeeClickFix

Potholes, graffiti, small issues in your neighborhood, drug dealing, school bus problems.   It takes a while to figure out who to call to address these problems.  

How do we force accountability?   We created a tool called WatchAreas.   Freeformed bounded maps on Google Maps.   When an issue is recorded it sends an alert to the people who monitors that area.

Needs:
Mobile accessibility is the key to bringing this idea to the developing world.   SmartPhone apps would be nice, they need to develop an SMS gateway.   Also, translation is a need.

It requires users to create watch areas and link these areas to the people responsible

Q. Sustainability(business model)?
A. Providing low cost pro-solution to the city of Houston.   Philadelphia Enquirer has started a pilot with them.   We are for-profit for the social good.

Q. When you reported the graffiti you had a quick response.   Can you elaborate what it was that motivated them to react quickly?   Was it the volume? Was it the medium?
A. It was that this was documented transparently and everyone could see it and they would be on the hook for it.

Q. Is there a use case to report on the government itself?
A. The system is not limited to any particular issue.   We're different from 311 in that issues like potholes don't need the expense

Q. How to help?
A. SideClick Program - goto seeclickfix.com.   For developers, you can get widgets on your site.