Leesburg and Arlington are using a 311 mobile and web app so residents can put in requests for services like trash removal and report problems like potholes and graffiti. The app was developed by New York-based PublicStuff, a 5-year-old company developing 311 apps mostly for small and medium cities, though it's helped Philadelphia as well. Users can take pictures to report issues like fallen street signs or broken sidewalks and track the submission’s progress.

Co-founder Vincent Polidoro says jurisdictions also use their apps to blast messages to residents about things like conserving water because of droughts. Jurisdictions can also add services to the app, like Tallahassee offers pet adoptions and Philadelphia provides polling info. Leesburg just launched its app last month, allowing requests for bulk item pickup, trash, recycling, or yard waste collection problems, feedback on recreation centers and park facilities, and reporting issues on water and sewer service.