On Monday, Mayor Rahm Emanuel launched ChicagoShovels.org, a new, interactive online resource that helps Chicagoans engage and participate in critical winter-preparedness efforts. The new site is being launched with a real-time “Plow Tracker” that allows residents to monitor the progress of the City’s snow plows, a volunteer “Snow Corps” program, and links to winter web apps. The City is also launching an “Adopt-a-Sidewalk” shoveling initiative where Chicagoans can soon visit the site and sign up to be a part of the program.

ChicagoShovels.org brings together City and public resources to help residents and business owners navigate winter and snow-related issues. The portal provides a platform for residents and businesses to organize and participate in neighborhood-level activities. The Adopt-a-Sidewalk tool will be launched in Beta to allow for user feedback that will help continually make improvements to the technology.

The portal will feature several key elements:
• Real-time Snow Plow Tracker: During major snow cleanup efforts, the City will activate the real-time “Plow Tracker” map, allowing the public to track the progress of City snow plows and make snow removal efforts more transparent.
• Volunteer “Snow Corps”: Snow Corps is a new program that connects volunteers with residents in need of snow removal – such as seniors and residents with disabilities. Groups and individuals can volunteer to help those in need by signing up using an online form.
• New Winter Readiness Apps: Chicago web and app developers have leveraged the City’s open data to build apps that help the public weather winter storms. Twoinch.es informs and alerts drivers of winter parking bans. WasMyCarTowed.com uses the City’s towed and relocated vehicle data to help people locate their vehicles.