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El Centro launches CivicPlus mass‑notification system; contract funded with ARPA funds
Summary
City launched a new CivicPlus mass‑notification system in March and demonstrated features to council; staff reported 29 subscribers to date and said the broader contracted suite (CivicPlus) is a four‑year, $146,000 agreement funded by American Rescue Plan Act monies.
City staff demonstrated a recently launched mass‑notification system and walked council through the signup process, message targeting and planned public outreach. The system, provided by CivicPlus, launched in early March and is intended to supplement the city’s current communications channels during both emergency and non‑emergency incidents.
Public information staff (presenter Mario) showed how residents can register online or via a mobile app to receive location‑specific voice, text or email alerts; the platform can accept two phone numbers, a preferred language and category preferences (emergency alerts, council updates, facility notices, event information, job postings and more). Staff explained the system can integrate with FEMA’s IPAWS once the city completes IPAWS registration and training.
Mario said the city has 29 registered subscribers so far, and staff are promoting the system via local media, paid social ads, and event outreach; staff are training police and fire personnel to use the tool. The presentation noted the CivicPlus contract also includes Civic Clerk, CivicRec and website hosting/accessibility features. Staff said the four‑year CivicPlus contract totals $146,000 and is fully funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocations.
Councilmembers praised the tool and proposed on‑site registration help at upcoming public events; staff confirmed the system was used during a recent evacuation notification and that it can also call nonregistered numbers using directory listings in certain major emergencies. No formal council action was required.
