NOLAServeUS — Help & FAQ

Everything you need to use NOLAServeUS. Available in English, Español, and Tiếng Việt (change the language anytime in your profile).

Getting started

What is NOLAServeUS? A community platform for New Orleans where you report neighborhood issues (like potholes, flooding, illegal dumping, or broken streetlights), your neighbors confirm them, and everyone can watch how the city responds — all in public.

Is this the City / 311? No. NOLAServeUS is independent — we're not the City of New Orleans. But when a report is verified, we hand it to the City's 311 system with a tracking number, so it becomes an official request too.

How do I sign up? Tap Join and enter your mobile number. We text you a code to confirm it's really you (one account per person). You'll add your name and address so we can place you in the right council district and center your map at home.

Filing and following reports

How do I file a report? Go to the Report tab → pick the issue type → set severity → add photos (they speed up verification) → drop the location on the map → Submit.

What does "verified" mean? A report becomes verified when a neighbor confirms it's real. Verified reports carry more weight and get forwarded to the city's 311 system.

Can I back up a neighbor's report? Yes — open any report and tap to back it. The more neighbors backing a report, the louder it is. Note: backing shows your name and photo to neighbors by default (see "Privacy & identity" below).

How do I track a report? Every report has a public thread. You'll see status updates, the city's response target, and — when it's fixed on time — a little celebration in the feed. Follow a report to get notified of updates.

The city marked it resolved but it isn't fixed. You can dispute a resolution from the report. And when you know your own report is truly done, you can close it yourself.

Notifications

How do I get notified when something happens? - In-app: the bell icon shows updates on reports you follow. - Push notifications: turn them on from the bell panel to get alerts on your phone even when the app is closed. (On iPhone, add the app to your Home Screen first.) - Text me (SMS): opt in from your profile to get a text when the city marks your report resolved. Reply STOP anytime to turn it off. - Monthly digest: add an email in your profile and opt in for a monthly neighborhood summary.

Privacy & identity

Who can see my activity? Reports and posts are public. Backing a report shows your name and photo to neighbors by default.

How do I stay anonymous? - Posts: choose the anonymous option in the composer. - Backing: in your profile, turn off "Show my name and photo to neighbors when I back or confirm a report." - Your phone number, email, and exact address are never shown publicly.

What happens to my photos? Uploaded photos are automatically scanned for explicit or graphic content to keep the feed safe.

Your account

I didn't get my login code. Check that your number is correct and try again in a minute. Codes expire, so request a fresh one if needed.

Can I change my address or language? Yes — everything's in your Profile: name, address, photo, language, and notification settings.

How do I delete my account? Contact us (below). Note that public civic records may remain part of the public accountability log.

For city & council accounts

Department and council accounts sign in with email + an authenticator app (two-factor) for security. If you were invited to a seat, use the email your invitation was sent to. Need access? Contact your NOLAServeUS administrator.

Still need help?

Email support@penntech.io and we'll get back to you.