PDX Reporter is a website and mobile web app that helps Portlanders report concerns to the appropriate city agency. Much like the Oregon Metro RID map, this tool seeks to make reporting concerns convenient and efficient. On the site, people can report various sidewalk-related problems, graffiti, road obstructions, and potholes.

PDX Reporter started as a native phone app but later changed to a web app to streamline maintenance and reduce the time between updates. Much of its functionality still targets mobile app performance. However, the desktop website scales up to fit any sized screen. The site is tagged as “Beta” and is not an all-in-one tool. Some reporting sections redirect users to other resources or encourage users to go to another reporting tool for faster service.

Instead of replacing all the forms used by various bureaus, the site acts as the portal for many city services. This approach saves residents time looking for the proper place to report issues. Portland has a labyrinth of websites that make finding the appropriate resource difficult. PDX Reporter is an admirable attempt to cut through the confusion and take people to the form they need.

Notifying the city about issues can make public spaces more livable and safe. Without reports from residents, City staff cannot prioritize troubled areas and are less efficient in resolving issues. People using this service should exercise good judgment in deciding what to report. Any information included within the body of a PDX Reporter report is subject to public records laws. Although users have to create a free portlandoregon.gov website login to use this service, information used to create an account on portlandoregon.gov is kept confidential.

Portlanders are far from having a streamlined method for interacting with City services. However, Portland continually deploys technology to alleviate the frustrations of navigating disparate bureau procedures. Although this tool has existed for years, many people don’t know it exists or forget about it when they need to file a report. You might no need PDX Reporter today, but bookmarking pdxreporter.org can save you time and frustration in the future.