Mid City Times

The City of Fort Worth is set to observe National 311 Day on Tuesday, March 11. This annual event highlights the importance of the 311 system, a resource for residents to connect with city services across various communities.

The 311 system serves as a nonemergency contact number in many cities, allowing residents to report issues, inquire about city services, and ask questions. Since the establishment of the 911 emergency system, nonemergency calls have affected operators' response times to real emergencies. In response, Baltimore, Maryland, implemented the first 311 system in 1996 to alleviate pressure on the overburdened 911 service.

Residents use the 311 number to report local concerns. Examples include malfunctioning traffic lights or abandoned vehicles—situations that require attention but are not emergencies.

National 311 Day is observed annually on March 11 to promote awareness of this municipal service hotline. While everyone knows to call 911 for emergencies, many communities in the United States and Canada provide access to nonemergency assistance through the phone number 311.

In Fort Worth, special recognition will be given to the city's 311 Center during a City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday evening at City Hall.