Gadsden mayor launches 'Operation Spring Cleaning,' expands app-based reporting and enforcement

Mayor Craig Ford announced a citywide initiative he called "Operation Spring Cleaning," asking residents to report litter and maintenance issues through the Hey Gadsden app as crews from multiple departments conduct concentrated cleanups.

Ford said the operation unites public works, streets, building, police and fire departments to focus resources on one neighborhood at a time. "We got our public works department. We got our street department. We got our building department. We got our police department, fire department, and everybody together in a meeting," he said.

The mayor emphasized the Hey Gadsden app as the primary reporting tool, saying the app will "geofence the issue that you're talking about" and that the city will prioritize app reports over social media. "We do recommend that you go to the Hey Gadsden app on your iPhone or your Android," Ford said.

Ford described enforcement measures for repeat littering, including camera monitoring and prosecution. "We have put cameras up everywhere. We've caught a lot of people, breaking the law, and we have prosecuted them," he said, adding that the city has delivered warrants and summons and is "making sure they pay." He added plainly: "If you don't wanna pay, don't litter."

Ford pointed to recent cleanups in Walnut Park and Mill Village as examples of the effort and said crews are working on rights-of-way including I-759. He asked residents to help maintain improvements once they are made and to report persistent issues.

The mayor closed by urging residents to use the app and to avoid littering: "This is your city. These are your parks. I work for you. Please don't litter."