Residents say ‘city’s been slacking’ in response to 311 calls

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — There are questions about whether Baltimore’s 311 system is getting results.

Residents tell FOX45 they report overflowing trash, illegal dumping, and other issues… only to see requests marked complete while the problems remain.

One Reddit post that’s gained attention asks a simple question…Does reporting stuff to 311 actually work?

“311 phone calls usually don’t get attended to I feel like it’s when the city wants to address the 311 calls, whether it’s an emergency, whether it is a power hole in the street, whether it’s trash pickup, you know the city’s been slacking,” said resident KJ.

The resident says they reported trash sitting in an alley for months, the request was later marked “work completed,” .but they say nothing changed.

It’s a frustration FOX45 News has heard before.

Residents we’ve spoken with say they’ve filed repeated complaints about overflowing trash, illegal dumping, and debris.

FOX45 is following an investigation into ongoing trash concerns…and asked city leaders what accountability exists when residents say problems continue even after requests are closed.

“It’s a real problem, and you just have to walk through federal hill and see trash everywhere, sidewalks cracking. It’s not good. It should be such a lovely spot, and it isn’t,” said resident Jeanine Bufird.

We reached out to the Department of Public Works, and followed up on the city’s trash investigation.

In a statement, a spokesperson said:

“I shared your inquiry with the Bureau of Solid Waste. Please know that it will take them some time for them to fully investigate. Once we have more information to share, I will reach back out to you.”

We also reached out to mayor Brandon Scott directly asking him:

• What causes requests to be delayed?
• Is 311 understaffed?
• What do you say to residents who think 311 is an unreliable resource?

We are still waiting to hear back.

City leaders continue to encourage residents to continue reporting issues through 311…but for some, the concern isn’t whether they should file another request. it’s whether anything will happen after they do.