# Report a local problem to my city or town so it gets fixed

A clear, specific report about a pothole, broken streetlight, illegal dumping, or other local issue, plus how to follow up.

- Topic: Writing & Editing
- Framework: Few-Shot
- Level: Standard
- Tags: Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/report-a-local-problem-to-my-city-or-town-so-it-gets-fixed

## Prompt

```text
Help me report a problem in my neighborhood to my local government.

**The problem:** [e.g. pothole, broken streetlight, missed trash collection, blocked sidewalk, overgrown lot, unsafe crossing, noise]
**Exact location:** [street address, nearest cross streets, landmarks]
**How long it's been going on:** [DATES]
**Why it matters:** [e.g. safety risk for kids walking to school, wheelchair users can't pass]
**Evidence:** [photos, dates I noticed it, others affected]
**Reported before?** [yes/no, case number if any]
**How my city takes reports:** [e.g. 311 app or line, online form, email to council office, don't know]

Give me:
1. The right type of office or service to contact, with a note to confirm on my city's official website [CONFIRM].
2. A short report (under 120 words) that fits an online form: what, where, since when, and the risk.
3. A longer version for email to a council member or department, with a clear request and a reasonable timeline.
4. A follow-up message for if nothing happens in [NUMBER] weeks, referencing my case number.
5. Tips for getting it prioritized: specific location details, photos, safety impact, and neighbors filing too.

Keep the tone constructive and factual. If the problem is an immediate danger (e.g. downed power line, gas smell, flooding), tell me to call emergency services or the utility first.
```

## What to fill in

- street address, nearest cross streets, landmarks
- DATES
- photos, dates I noticed it, others affected
- yes/no, case number if any
- CONFIRM
- NUMBER

Free to copy and use. From ThinkWithPrompt (https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/), a library of 2,663 curated AI prompts.