OGDEN -- Mayor Matthew Godfrey unveiled Wednesday what is reportedly the first free mobile app of its kind launched by a city, enabling residents to interact with local government and promotes area attractions, recreation, businesses and events.
The iOgden app download is available for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. It will be made available for Android devices in January, Godfrey said following a press conference Wednesday.
The city spent about $20,000 to develop the app in conjunction with Draper-based iFan Media Corporation. Godfrey said the city began working on the app about 45 days ago to build on its reputation as one of the nation's most technologically advanced municipalities.
"We always like to have better technology," he said.
The city's Information Technology Division received first place awards from the Center for Digital Government in 2004 and 2006.
The app will allow users to access information regarding local festivals and events, shopping, dining attractions, recreation and the city's department directory. It also includes a reporting feature that will enable users to contact the municipality about graffiti, street maintenance and lights, potholes and other such issues.
Residents will be able to use the app to take photos of the problem they are reporting, capture via GPS the exact location of the problem and submit comments.
The app also allows Ogden merchants to offer discounted deals that can be purchased with a credit card using an iPhone, said Jess McClelland, senior project coordinator for the city's information technology division.
Businesses do not have to pay the city to be included in the app. The app is not a money maker for the city but could increase sales tax coffers by attracting people to local restaurants and businesses, said Godfrey. In addition, the reporting feature will help municipal departments become more efficient, resulting in a cost savings, he added.
The app puts Ogden on the cutting edge of interaction with the public, said Mike Dodson, chief executive officer of iFan Media.
The app is available for free from the iPhone App Store or at the city's website at www.ogdencity.com.
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