Effective communication is the backbone of a well-functioning local government. While emergency alerts often take center stage, non-emergency communication is just as essential for keeping residents informed and engaged. From holiday closures and local events to road work updates and trash pickup delays, cities, towns, and special districts must ensure that their citizens receive timely and relevant information.

However, reaching residents isn’t as simple as posting on social media or sending an email. With changing social media algorithms, email overload, and varying preferences on how residents consume information, local governments need a multi-channel approach to communication.

This is where GOGov Citizen Notifications comes in—offering an all-in-one platform to deliver mass notifications through a Local Government-Branded Mobile App, Push Notifications, SMS/Text, Voice Calls, Email, and Social Media.

The Many Touchpoints of Local Government Communication

Unlike private businesses that focus on customer engagement, local governments must communicate across multiple departments, each with unique needs:

• City Hall & Administration: Public meetings, ordinance updates, business licensing, and voting reminders.
• Public Works: Road closures, water main breaks, construction updates, and winter weather preparation.
• Parks & Recreation: Event notifications, program sign-ups, and facility updates.
• Libraries: Holiday schedules, community programs, and educational events.
• Waste Management: Trash pickup delays, recycling schedules, and bulk waste collection notices.

These updates affect residents' daily lives. Without a centralized and reliable communication method, citizens may miss critical information, leading to confusion, frustration, and an influx of unnecessary calls to government offices.

Why Multi-Channel Citizen Notifications Are Essential

Local governments must embrace multi-channel communication to reach as many residents as possible. Here’s how different channels contribute to a successful outreach strategy:

Local Government-Branded Mobile App: A Reliable Source of Truth

A mobile app dedicated to your municipality serves as a trusted, clutter-free source of information for residents. Unlike social media, where misinformation can spread quickly, an official government app provides accurate, real-time updates.

Example: Charter Township of Fenton, MI
Fenton launched a municipality-branded mobile app to streamline communication. With notifications for water main breaks, public meetings, and road closures, the app provides a one-stop solution for residents to stay informed.

✅ Why It Works:

• Directly connects with residents without relying on third-party platforms.
• Easy-to-use, with all government services in one place.
• Builds trust by offering official updates.

Push Notifications: Real-Time Alerts That Cut Through the Noise

Push notifications reach residents instantly on their smartphones, ensuring they never miss an urgent update. Research shows that push notifications have an average open rate of 90%, significantly higher than email.

Best Uses:
✔ Facility closures
✔ Weather advisories
✔ Event reminders

SMS/Text Messaging: Reaching Citizens Where They Are

Text messaging remains one of the most effective communication tools, with 98% of text messages opened within minutes (Pew Research). For quick, time-sensitive messages, SMS ensures near-instant delivery.

✅ Why It Works:

• Ideal for emergency updates and short reminders.
• High open and engagement rates.
• Reaches all demographics, including non-smartphone users.

Voice Calls: Reaching the Non-Digital Audience

For seniors and residents without internet access, voice call notifications ensure that no one is left behind. A survey by the National Institute on Aging found that over 39% of adults 65+ prefer phone calls for important updates.

Best Uses:
✔ Severe weather alerts
✔ Utility service disruptions
✔ Election reminders

Email: Best for Detailed, Non-Urgent Updates

While push notifications and SMS are ideal for urgent messages, email works best for newsletters, detailed updates, and long-form communication.

✅ Why It Works:

• Great for community event announcements.
• Provides a record of communication.
• Useful for budget reports and government initiatives.

Social Media: A Supplement, Not a Primary Tool

Social media remains a useful supplemental channel, but it comes with challenges:

🚨 Facebook’s algorithm now reaches only 2.2% of page followers organically.
🚨 Misinformation spreads 6x faster than factual news on social media (MIT Study).

Instead of relying solely on social platforms, local governments should use them as one of many communication channels, always linking back to official sources like their branded mobile app.

How GOGov Simplifies Multi-Channel Citizen Notifications

Managing multiple communication channels doesn’t have to be overwhelming. GOGov’s Citizen Notifications platform consolidates everything into one easy-to-use system, allowing local governments to:

✅ Send real-time alerts through push notifications, SMS, and voice calls.
✅ Publish updates across multiple channels simultaneously.
✅ Provide a branded mobile app as a single source of truth.
✅ Automate event notifications, facility closings, and weather alerts.

Example: Commercial Point, OH
This growing community adopted GOGov Citizen Notifications to streamline communication with residents. By leveraging the mobile app, SMS, and push notifications, Commercial Point reduced call volume to City Hall and improved response times for resident concerns.

The Future of Local Government Engagement powered by GOGov

As digital communication continues to evolve, municipalities that adopt a multi-channel strategy will stay ahead. By using a branded mobile app and direct notifications, local governments can cut through social media clutter, eliminate misinformation, and engage citizens more effectively than ever.

Ready to Modernize Your Citizen Communication?

The days of relying solely on social media and traditional press releases are over. GOGov’s Citizen Notifications platform offers a streamlined, multi-channel approach to reaching residents in the most effective way possible.

Schedule a demo today and see how GOGov can transform your municipality’s communication strategy!