When it comes to city maintenance, will a picture speak louder than words? We can only hope.

Next time you call in a broken traffic light or a pesky pothole (just kidding, you can give up on the pothole), you’ll have a new tool at your disposal.

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The city is updating its 311 system to allow residents to attach photos, videos and documents to their online service requests. The new site will be ready to use by noon Aug. 5. However, from Aug. 1 until then, the website will be down as it switches to the new (and hopefully improved) format. During that time, you’ll have to pick up the phone and dial 3-1-1.

A smartphone app is in the works, too, and should be unveiled by the end of August. Residents can use the app to not only submit but track their service requests.