Garfield Township, Michigan, in Clare County is a small yet thriving resort community located in the heart of the state. With a population of around 1,800 year-round residents, the township's population almost doubles during the peak seasons when visitors flock to enjoy its serene environment. The township is home to four beautiful lakes, which significantly contribute to the local economy and appeal. Garfield Township has become a popular destination for weekenders and retirees from nearby areas like Genesee County and Grand Rapids, drawn to its charming lakeside properties and outdoor activities.

Despite its idyllic setting, the township faces challenges, such as the absence of zoning laws and a history of blight. This has impacted certain neighborhoods, particularly those off the lakes, which were once affordable seasonal retreats. However, with the real estate market evolving, many seasonal residents are now making Garfield Township their permanent home, creating a dynamic shift in the community. As property values rise, the township remains one of Michigan's last affordable resort areas, making it a desirable location for those seeking a peaceful, scenic lifestyle.

What was the challenge that led Garfield, MIto GOGov?

Garfield Township, MI adopted GOGov Code Enforcement solutions due to the challenge of managing a high percentage of blighted properties within its small community. With about 10% of the township's 1,100 homes classified as blighted, the township needed an efficient way to address the issue without overwhelming resources. Previously, blight management was done manually through Excel and files, which was time-consuming and difficult to maintain, especially for a small township with limited staff and budget.

“Within minutes, I could tell that this software was just perfect for what we needed. At first, I knew it would be difficult to get the expenditure approved by my board, but you guys worked with me. I don’t want to say it’s economical, but in a way, it really is for what it has done for us.” – David Lee Byl, Supervisor at Garfield Township

GOGov offered a solution that streamlined the process by reducing paperwork and consolidating everything into one place. This allowed for easier management and communication with residents and property owners. For Garfield, using GOGov not only saved time but also helped them efficiently tackle blight issues, freeing up resources for other important tasks in the township.

“Over the 12 years, I’ve tried different methods, from maintaining files to getting some help, but I needed something that could put everything together. The biggest benefit I’m enjoying about GOGov is that I’m eliminating paperwork. Now, the only paperwork I have is the letters or correspondence I send out.” – David Lee Byl, Supervisor at Garfield Township

How is Garfield using GOGov today?

Garfield Township is currently using GOGov's products to address code enforcement, with a primary focus on tackling blight within the community. The township began with approximately 170 blighted properties, and through the use of GOGov, they’ve successfully addressed 70 of them. GOGov's platform has been instrumental in streamlining the process, helping the township efficiently track, monitor, and address blight over time.

The system allows Garfield to identify all blighted properties and continuously monitor them. Even for cases that might take several years to resolve, GOGov helps build and store a detailed record, making it easier to escalate unresolved cases to court. The comprehensive data collected through the system strengthens their cases, providing crucial documentation for legal proceedings. This capability has significantly enhanced their approach to blight enforcement, allowing them to move forward with more confidence and efficiency in long-term cases.

In addition to blight, Garfield Township has developed custom letters for other minor property issues, such as lawn maintenance, further expanding their use of GOGov. By digitizing records and eliminating the need for manual paperwork, the system has made it easier for the township to manage cases with limited resources. As the township looks ahead, they plan to convert older, more complex cases into the system, ensuring full digital compliance and streamlining processes even further.

Future Plans for Garfield

As Garfield Township looks to the future, the commitment to addressing blight and enhancing community standards remains a top priority. The integration of GOGov’s Code Enforcement system has not only streamlined their processes but also empowered the township to tackle challenges effectively and efficiently. With plans to digitize older cases and expand their use of GOGov for other property management issues, Garfield is poised to strengthen its operations and improve citizen services further. This partnership signifies a proactive approach to community management, demonstrating Garfield's dedication to maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for both residents and visitors alike. Through innovative solutions and continuous improvement, Garfield is setting a strong foundation for sustainable growth and a thriving community.

“As Garfield Township looks to the future, the commitment to addressing blight and enhancing community standards remains a top priority. The integration of GOGov’s Code Enforcement system has not only streamlined their processes but also empowered the township to tackle challenges effectively and efficiently. With plans to digitize older cases and expand their use of GOGov for other property management issues, Garfield is poised to strengthen its operations and improve citizen services further. This partnership signifies a proactive approach to community management, demonstrating Garfield's dedication to maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for both residents and visitors alike. Through innovative solutions and continuous improvement, Garfield is setting a strong foundation for sustainable growth and a thriving community.” – David Lee Byl, Supervisor at Garfield Township

Your Municipality Powered by GOGov

GOGov is committed to helping municipalities and local governments enhance community engagement, streamline operations, and foster transparent communication. Our partnership with Garfield demonstrates the potential of our solutions to make a meaningful impact on cities of all sizes, and our continued efforts to improve and innovate further.  

GOGov specializes in providing CRM, Code Enforcement, Citizen Notifications, Online Permitting and mobile software to local governments of all sizes. We built our software from the ground up working with the departments and staff that now use our products every single day.

Interested in learning more? Sign up for a demo with the GOGov team today.

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