Harlingen launches new app for citizen service requests and engagement

Harlingen residents will soon enjoy enhanced city services through a new mobile app designed to streamline communication with local government. During the Harlingen City Commission meeting on July 2, 2025, officials highlighted the app's features, which allow citizens to submit requests for assistance, report issues, and track the status of their inquiries directly from their smartphones.

The app, named Harlingen TX, is a significant upgrade from the previous version, which has been in use since 2018. Although the new app has seen fewer than 100 downloads since its launch, the city has a combined total of over 5,000 downloads from both versions. City officials emphasized the need for increased promotion to encourage more residents to transition to the new platform. Suggestions included utilizing social media and local press releases to raise awareness.

Commissioners discussed the importance of the app in improving community engagement and service efficiency. The app allows users to submit various requests, including reporting street issues and general inquiries, with the added convenience of uploading photos to clarify their concerns. This feature aims to enhance the city's responsiveness to citizen needs.

In addition to the app, the meeting also touched on the city's ongoing efforts to address community requests, with over 1,000 submissions received annually. The top requests from residents include street light installations and general complaints, indicating areas where the city can focus its resources.

As the city moves forward, officials plan to implement strategies to boost app usage, including QR codes at upcoming town hall meetings to facilitate easy downloads. The goal is to foster a more connected community and ensure that residents can easily access city services.