Looking at this from another perspective. Having worked in the DC city government for several years and for several nonprofits doing public policy analysis and

Looking at this from another perspective. Having worked in the DC city government for several years and for several nonprofits doing public policy analysis and advocacy, I somewhat understand the challenges on both sides. On the public side, people want systems to work better. On the government side, staff are doing what their director/mayor/governor/grantor wants while the public is saying yes or (hell!) no. But the fact is that there is not unlimited time or money. So while it's good that people report bike lane violations and illegal dumping to 311, I would venture to say that not all are treated equally. And as an insider and outsider, I understand that this is the case. In my mind, gathering and reporting (the apps) is as important as working with (educating, lobbying) government officials so both parties understand the situation and work towards some resolution. All of this to say that the apps are cool and make people feel like they are doing something. And in some ways they are. But real change usually requires much more intensive work than reporting a bike lane violation. (Don't get me wrong. I wanted to drive tow trucks to move cars out of curb lanes during rush hour on my vacation days! Learn a new skill! Help others!)