City of Zion Mass Notifications — Blackboard Connect™

Quickly reach residents & businesses during emergencies and important outreach.

The City of Zion has partnered with Blackboard Connect™ to communicate with residents and businesses during emergencies and other outreach situations. Landline numbers that are publicly listed will automatically receive calls when messages target a specific neighborhood or the entire City. If you don’t have a published landline, please register to begin receiving notifications.

Manage your preferences: After registering, you can verify your address, add phone numbers (including mobile) and email addresses, and choose phone/email/text delivery. Emergency messaging is always enabled; outreach topics are optional. Your contact information is secure and will not be shared.
Register / Sign Me Up

Blackboard Connect Registration

Mobile Device — Register via City Website

  1. Go to www.cityofzion.com.
  2. Tap the BLACKBOARD CONNECT button.
  3. Find: “To register for Blackboard Connect, log onto https://zionil.bbcportal.com and click Sign Me Up”.
  4. If prompted to open Google Play Store, choose No thanks, go to site.
  5. Continue at the Community Portal section below.

Mobile Device — Register Directly in Browser

  1. Enter https://zionil.bbcportal.com in your browser.
  2. If prompted to open Google Play Store, choose No thanks, go to site.
  3. Continue at the Community Portal section below.

Desktop/Laptop — Register via City Website

  1. Go to www.cityofzion.com.
  2. Click the BLACKBOARD CONNECT button.
  3. Select the link to https://zionil.bbcportal.com and click Sign Me Up.
  4. Continue at the Community Portal section below.

Desktop/Laptop — Register Directly in Browser

  1. Enter https://zionil.bbcportal.com in your browser.
  2. Continue at the Community Portal section below.

Community Portal — Step-by-Step

  1. Click Sign Me Up and enter: First Name, Last Name, Email, Password.
  2. Agree to terms and submit.
  3. Watch for a confirmation email and click the link provided.
  4. Answer three security questions and click Save.
  5. Click Login and complete the 3-step setup: Tell us about yourself → Set up your subscriptions → Set up your preferences.
  6. Verify address and primary phone; add mobile numbers and emails; choose how you want to receive messages.
  7. Click Save to finish.

That’s it! You’ll begin receiving City of Zion messages you’ve selected. Some alerts may be targeted by geographic area and won’t be sent citywide.

Blackboard Connect

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Blackboard Connect™?
It’s a rapid notification service used by authorized City of Zion staff to send time-sensitive messages to phone numbers and emails in our database—thousands of messages can be sent in minutes.
How does it work?
Staff record a voice message that’s quickly delivered to listed phones. Email and text messages may also be sent if you opt in.
What types of messages are sent?
Severe weather alerts, AMBER alerts, boil-order advisories, hazardous traffic/road conditions, and other safety/welfare notices. The system may also announce City programs, special events, and schedule changes.
Does this replace other communication channels?
No. It supplements the City website, social media, TV, and radio, which will continue to share important announcements.
Is my number already included?
Many published landlines are imported from public databases, but don’t assume you’re in. Please register to confirm and add your preferred contacts.
Can I list a cell phone?
Yes. Please add your mobile number(s) during registration—we encourage it.
How is my information protected?
Blackboard Connect™ (The NTI Group, Inc.) uses multiple security controls and does not sell or share client data. Data is transmitted securely and stored in protected facilities with encryption and audited safeguards.
How will I recognize City calls?
Caller ID will display the City’s main number: (847) 746-4000. Messages begin with: “Hello, this is The City of Zion with an important message.” Consider saving this as a contact named “City of Zion: Blackboard”.
Will it work with call screening?
Generally yes, though some devices may require you to allow the City’s number to pass through. Periodic tests may be conducted.
I’m a non-resident owner. Which number should I list?
You can add an additional number for priority calling. Register at zionil.bbcportal.com or call (847) 746-4000 for assistance.
If I list multiple numbers, when are they called?
When necessary, the system can call multiple numbers simultaneously. In most cases, only your primary number is used.
What about busy or no-answer calls?
The system retries several times. If voicemail answers, the message is left. After multiple unsuccessful attempts, calling stops.
Can I change which number is called (e.g., fax is receiving calls)?
Yes. Update your profile at zionil.bbcportal.com or call (847) 746-4000 for help.
I missed the message—can I replay it?
Yes. At the end of playback, press the star (*) key to repeat the message.
The greeting keeps looping and then hangs up.
Background noise can cause looping. On the next call, say “hello” once, lower TV/radio volume, or use your phone’s mute to allow the message to play.
What might prevent delivery?
  • Your contact info changed and wasn’t updated by registering.
  • Only cordless phones at home and a power outage occurs—add a mobile number.
  • Line busy for an extended time with no voicemail/answering machine.
  • Privacy manager blocks calls and no alternate number is listed.
Go to Registration Portal
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