Chicago: City of big complainers
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Chicagoans filed more 311 complaints per capita than the rest of America's 10 biggest cities in 2020, according to data compiled by storage unit platform Storage Cafe.
Why it matters: The analysis suggests that Chicago is "a stressful" city because we like to file 311 complaints. And that stressed us out.
- We prefer to see 311 requests as a sign of proactive public engagement with at least some trust the complaints will be addressed.
- In fact, the city set up an online 311 system in 2018 that tracks the progress of your complaints.
Yes, but: At least one 2020 analysis of Chicago's 311 system showed that requests can take an average of 26 days to be addressed.
Our biggest beefs: Between Dec. 2018 and Dec 2021, Chicago's top 311 complaints were about airplane noise, graffiti, street lights, rats, potholes and garbage cans — each getting more than 150,000 service requests.
The intrigue: Some popular requests took us by surprise, including:
- Dead animal pick up: 36,658.
- Snow object/Dibs object removal: 5,198.
- Coyote interaction complaint: 4,832.
💠Monica's thought bubble: As I sorted through the data, I found 416 "pushcart vendor complaints" aimed at vendors of corn and fruit cups.
- Really, people? You think reporting folks for selling fresh fruits and veggies is a priority in this city? Grrrr!