A new app specially designed for the town of Merrillville promises to bring the town’s residents into the future with how it delivers information.

Launched June 30, “My Merrillville” provides easy access to town news, event updates, road construction updates, job postings, and direct links to important resources on the town’s website — all from the convenience of your smartphone,” a town release announced. It’s available as a free download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

“We’re stepping into the future of citizen engagement,” Town Council President Rick Bella, D-5, said in the release. “This app will streamline how we communicate with residents and ensure the community has fast, reliable access to the information they need.”

Town Council Vice President Rhonda Neal led the initiative to have the app created, as the head of the Special Town Projects Committee, according to the release. Town leadership recognized that previous attempts for a townwide information system were limited, so Neal was tasked with searching out a simplified method.

“This mobile solution represents an important step forward in how we serve and connect with our residents,” Neal said in the release. “We’re confident it will strengthen communication and bring our community even closer together.”

Once residents have downloaded the app, residents can set up a profile on the app, but it’s not necessary to receive notifications, the release said.

Residents who prefer to receive notifications through their email can sign up by visiting app.govoutreach.com/merrillvilletownin/public/communications/subscribe.

Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.