Summer is one of the most demanding times of year for local governments. Longer days and warmer weather bring a surge in community activity, increased service requests, expanded construction efforts, and an uptick in public events. For city and town staff, that means more responsibilities and more residents expecting quick, clear communication.

With limited staffing and rising expectations, municipalities need tools that simplify and support their operations. That’s where GOGov comes in. Our solutions for Citizen Request Management, 311 Software, Online Permitting, and Resident Notifications help governments of all sizes meet the moment with confidence.

Let’s explore how GOGov supports summer operations with scalable, intuitive tools built for real-life municipal challenges.

1. Meet Seasonal Service Demands with Citizen Request Management

As residents spend more time outdoors, they become more aware of maintenance issues and community needs. From potholes and downed trees to broken sprinklers and overflowing trash bins, the volume of service requests rises significantly in the summer months.

GOGov's Citizen Request Management (CRM) system gives residents an easy way to report issues while helping governments handle them efficiently.

Key Features:

• Mobile App & Web Reporting: Residents can submit service requests through a branded mobile app or website 24/7.
• Auto-Routing & Assignment: Requests are automatically routed to the appropriate department or staff member based on location and category.
• Status Updates: Submitters receive real-time updates as the request is reviewed, assigned, and resolved.
• Central Dashboard: Staff can manage all incoming requests from one location, prioritizing and assigning tasks with full visibility.

Common Summer Requests:

• Potholes and sidewalk repairs
• Overflowing garbage cans or illegal dumping
• Park and playground maintenance
• Irrigation leaks or broken sprinklers
• Graffiti and vandalism reports

Why It Matters: By providing a clear channel for requests and updates, you reduce duplicate submissions, free up phone lines, and provide a better experience for both staff and residents. Your community gets faster service, and your team works smarter, not harder.

2. Speed Up Approvals with Online Permitting Software

Summer is construction season. Homeowners tackle outdoor projects, developers break ground on new builds, and contractors flood permitting offices with applications. If your permit process is still paper-based or email-driven, you risk bottlenecks, delays, and resident frustration.

GOGov’s Online Permitting Platform eliminates manual inefficiencies and creates a centralized, easy-to-use system for permit management.

Key Features:

• Online Applications: Applicants can submit permit requests and upload necessary documents from anywhere, at any time.
• Digital Payments: Accept fees through secure online payment systems to eliminate check processing delays.
• Automatic Workflows: Trigger internal reviews, approvals, and inspections automatically based on pre-configured workflows.
• Status Visibility: Residents and contractors can check their permit status without calling city hall.
• Document Sharing: All correspondence, site plans, and approvals are stored in one place.

Common Summer Permits:

• Deck and fence permits
• Pool installations
• Outdoor structure approvals (sheds, pergolas, garages)
• Special event permits
• Temporary signage and vendor licenses

Real-World Benefits: With GOGov Online Permitting, munciaplaities cane cut permit approval time by 50% using GOGov’s platform, even during peak construction season. Applicants can now track their status online, and staff no longer have to manually field every inquiry.

3. Keep Residents Informed with Mobile Notifications

Holidays, emergencies, and local events often bring rapid changes to community schedules. Whether it's a Fourth of July parade route, trash pickup delays, or an urgent boil-water notice, getting information out fast is crucial.

Social media and websites have their place, but they can’t guarantee delivery. GOGov's Citizen Notifications system ensures important messages are delivered instantly and directly to your residents.

Key Features:

• Multi-Channel Messaging: Send alerts via app push notifications, SMS, voice calls, and email—all from one platform.
• Geo-Targeting: Target messages by neighborhood or service zone for relevant, location-based updates.
• Scheduled Notices: Set up recurring or pre-scheduled messages for known events like holiday closures.
• Branded App: Notifications are delivered through your official, municipality-branded app, creating a trusted communication channel.

Common Notifications in Summer:

• Road construction delays and detours
• Storm or heat advisories
• Holiday service changes (e.g., trash pickup)
• Community events and summer programs
• Pool and park updates

Why It Matters: Instead of relying on Facebook algorithms or hoping residents check your website, notifications go directly to residents’ phones. This reduces confusion, increases compliance with municipal notices, and shows your community you value transparency.

4. Enhance Field Efficiency with Mobile Tools

Public Works crews, inspectors, and code enforcement officers spend most of their day in the field—especially during the summer. Tying them to the office to update spreadsheets or submit paperwork slows everything down.

GOGov makes it easy for field staff to stay productive with mobile-first tools.

Mobile Features for Field Crews:

• Access and manage service requests on smartphones and tablets
• Upload photos from job sites
• Add inspection notes and change request status in real time
• Communicate with residents directly from the field

Benefits:

• Reduce office trips and data re-entry
• Quicker issue resolution and response time
• Enhanced documentation and visibility for department leaders

5. Get Smarter with Data and Reporting

Summer is not just about staying busy—it’s about planning and measuring success. GOGov’s tools include built-in reporting dashboards that help department heads and administrators understand performance and make better decisions.

Reporting Capabilities:

• Track request volume and resolution times
• Monitor staff workload and bottlenecks
• Identify recurring issues and problem areas
• Justify budget and resource allocation
• Prepare for public meetings with real-time data

6. Engage Residents and Build Community Trust

Summer is the perfect time to deepen community engagement. Whether it’s a Friday night concert in the park or a seasonal farmers market, local governments can use GOGov to promote events and connect with residents on a deeper level.

Engagement Tips:

• Use notifications to boost attendance at summer events
• Promote mobile app downloads with QR codes at community centers and events
• Share updates and highlight staff successes with in-app news posts
• Encourage feedback and participation via surveys or comments

Why It Matters: When residents feel informed and heard, they’re more likely to participate, volunteer, and advocate for their community. GOGov makes this communication seamless and impactful.

Local Government Software Powered by GOGov

From event planning and public safety to construction season and summer recreation, local governments have a lot on their plate. GOGov provides the tools you need to operate efficiently, communicate clearly, and deliver excellent service.

With GOGov, you can:

• Accept and manage citizen requests (311) from anywhere
• Speed up permitting with online applications and workflows
• Send timely, targeted messages through multiple channels
• Support field staff with mobile-friendly tools
• Make data-driven decisions
• Keep residents informed, engaged, and satisfied

As local governments gear up for the summer season, GOGov solutions offer a comprehensive toolkit to address the unique challenges and opportunities that arise during this time of year. From enhancing citizen engagement to streamlining permit processes and enforcing regulations, GOGov empowers municipalities to navigate the summer season with confidence. By leveraging GOGov's innovative technology, local governments can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and vibrant community for residents and visitors alike. Schedule a demo today.

‍