New 3-1-1 service open for questions

Need to report a broken street light? Is there a stray dog roaming your neighborhood? Do you just have a question about City of Minneapolis services? Now there’s a way to find out more quickly what to do about a neighborhood concern or problem, without holding forever on the line or being transferred too many times.

The 3-1-1 dialing service on your telephone was launched on Jan. 4. The system uses specially trained call center operators who should be able to help most callers in seconds by answering questions and creating work orders for services ranging from pothole repairs to requests to clean up graffiti. The 3-1-1 service will handle all non-emergency City information and services, including snow emergency information, garbage pickup questions and more.

“311 ends the hassle of not knowing which City department to call, or getting transferred again and again,” said 9th Ward Councilmember Gary Schiff. “The operators will be located on East Lake Street in the 3rd precinct building, so they will be familiar with [area] neighborhoods.” The three-digit number can be called anywhere within Minneapolis city limits.