Rochester Voices, March 2026 - 311

The City of Rochester, MN, discussed their 311 system during the March 2026 Rochester Voices meeting. Jenna Bowman, the city's strategic communications and engagement director, explained that the 311 service acts as a centralized non-emergency contact point for residents to request city services or information, such as reporting potholes, parking questions, or tall grass complaints. The system includes a mobile app and a comprehensive knowledge base with over 1,200 articles to assist callers and provide self-service options. The service aims to streamline communication by directing inquiries to the appropriate city departments and updating residents on the status of their requests. The city emphasized that 311 is for non-emergencies, while 911 should be used for urgent public safety issues.