In late 2022, Jonestown Borough launched a new cross-platform mobile app designed to make it easier for borough residents to stay informed and engaged with local happenings.

The app – available via Google Play and the Apple App Store – has already been downloaded by approximately 200 people, according to borough council president Tom Keefer. That’s out of the roughly 1,600 residents in the borough, a substantial percent given how new the app is.

“Council realized we needed a more effective approach to communicate with residents and the surrounding community,” said Keefer in a press release. “Getting our own app seemed to be the most effective ‘present day’ communication tool available to us.”

The app serves as an all-in-one portal for the borough’s existing website, as well as notifications that are sent via the app.

Keefer said that the app addresses the biggest complaint council heard from residents – that they didn’t know what was happening.

“Everyone has a phone,” said Keefer, adding that with the borough having a growing population of younger residents, an app seemed like a good choice.

Keefer said that the borough is currently focused on getting the word out about the app so that it can be an effective means of communication.

The borough is also exploring other helpful content to deliver via the app, such as hyperlocal weather alerts, as well as other new communication methods, including looking into a digital sign for somewhere within the borough.

The app is currently available for Android and iOS.