Cedar Rapids' custom-designed smartphone app available in app store

The City of Cedar Rapids recently launched the first custom-designed, city government smartphone app in the state of Iowa. The app is now available for download from the App Store for iphones or ipads. The Droid version can be downloaded from the Droid Marketplace or from www.CityofCR.com/app.

The City of Cedar Rapids smartphone app features six main functions:

• With the “Clean Up CR” button, residents can take photos of places that need to be clean or fixed and report the problem directly to the City.
• The “My Neighborhood” button give residents a listing of the designated garbage collection day, designated police officer, City Council voting district, property zoning classification and the nearest park, splash pad, pool, golf course, library branch and fire station for a specific location or address.
• The “City News” button gives residents direct access to City media releases, announcements and upcoming events.
• With the “Contact” button, residents can quickly get their City service questions answered via email or phone call or map the location of a nearby City facility.
• The “CR NEWS NOW” button gives residents direct access to sign up for City text or email messages delivered directly to their phone or email.
• The “Twitter” button links directly to the City's main Twitter account @CityofCRiowa.

The City plans to add new features to the app over the next several months. Residents are invited to provide suggestions for improvements to Communications Liaison Cassie Willis at 319-286-5055 or

c.willis@cedar-rapids.org.