09/26/2026
📢 A New Way to Stay Connected with the City of Wakefield
Facebook has become an important tool for the City of Wakefield to provide timely updates during power outages, water emergencies, planned maintenance, and other events. But we also recognize an important limitation: not everyone uses Facebook.
Some residents do not use social media, some have limited access to technology, and others may rely primarily on a traditional landline telephone. Important City information should not depend on whether someone has a Facebook account or a smartphone.
That is why the City of Wakefield is introducing its new Utility Notification Program, powered by OutiFi.
📞 More Ways to Receive City Information
The new system expands the ways the City can communicate with residents. Depending on the contact information available, the City can provide notifications by automated telephone call to a landline, text message to a cell phone, or email.
Facebook will remain an important part of the City's communications, but it will no longer be the only practical way for residents to receive timely electronic updates.
The system will also allow the City to target notifications more effectively. Some events affect the entire community, while others may involve only a particular neighborhood or area. This will allow the City to inform residents affected by an event without unnecessarily notifying the entire community.
📬 We're Not Just Announcing This on Facebook
Because announcing a new communication system only on Facebook would defeat the purpose, we will include a Utility Notification Program Information Card with all October City utility bills.
Additional copies will be available at the City Municipal Building, Wakefield Public Library, and several local businesses throughout the community.
The information card explains the new program, how to update your contact information, and how to use the new system.
📲 A New Way to Report Utility Problems
The new system also makes communication a two-way street.
Residents can call or text (906) 229-8860 to report power outages, water leaks, storm damage, sewer issues, and more. The system is designed to receive and route resident reports so appropriate City personnel can be alerted, including after normal business hours. The City's OutiFi service includes a phone system, after-hours dispatch, resident communications, and internal notifications and alerts.
Residents can use the following text commands:
OUTAGE – Report a power outage
WATER LEAK – Report a water leak
STATUS – Receive the current status of a power outage
START – Start receiving messages
STOP – Stop receiving messages
🔒 What About My Privacy?
The City recognizes that providing contact information also raises an important question: What happens to my information?
Under the City's agreement with OutiFi, the City retains ownership and control of its customer data. OutiFi may access or process that information only as reasonably necessary to provide, maintain, secure, and support the City's service, as authorized by the City, or as required by law.
The agreement expressly prohibits OutiFi from selling, renting, leasing, monetizing, or using City customer information for advertising, marketing, profiling, or other independent commercial purposes.
The agreement also requires reasonable data-security safeguards, including encryption while information is transmitted and stored, access controls limiting information to personnel with a legitimate business need, and authentication protections for administrative access.
The system uses artificial intelligence to help interpret incoming resident reports, for example, identifying the nature of an issue and routing it to the appropriate department. AI does not generate the City's outgoing messages to residents. Automated responses are limited to messages reviewed and approved by City staff.
✅ What Do I Need to Do?
If the City already has your current cell phone number on file, you will be automatically enrolled to receive text notifications. You can opt out at any time by texting STOP.
When you receive your October utility bill, look for the Utility Notification Program Information Card. It includes a QR code you can scan with a smartphone to update your contact information. Residents may also complete the paper form and return it to the City Municipal Building. You can also visit https://outifi.fillout.com/wakefield-mi to submit your contact information now.
☎️ New Utility Reporting Number: (906) 229-8860
Please help us spread the word, particularly to neighbors, friends, and family members who may not use Facebook or other social media.
Our goal is straightforward: whether you use Facebook, prefer text or email, or rely on a traditional telephone, the City wants to make sure you can receive important information when it matters.
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