Michigan townships are embracing modern communication tools to better connect with residents, enhance transparency, and provide real-time updates about essential services. Two townships leading the way are White Lake Township and Charter Township of Fenton, both of which have implemented GOGov Citizen Notifications and branded mobile apps to streamline communication and improve resident engagement.

With misinformation spreading rapidly on social media and residents demanding faster, more reliable updates, local governments must move beyond outdated communication methods. In this blog, we explore how these Michigan townships leveraged technology to overcome communication challenges and why more municipalities should consider following their lead.

The Challenges Michigan Townships Faced Before GOGov

1. Relying on Social Media & Outdated Channels

Many municipalities have traditionally relied on social media and websites to communicate with residents. However, Facebook’s algorithm only reaches 2.2% of page followers organically, making it difficult to ensure that residents receive critical updates. Compounding this issue, an MIT study found that misinformation spreads 6x faster than factual news on social media, often leading to confusion and distrust in local government communications.

For townships like White Lake and Fenton, this meant:
❌ Limited reach—important announcements weren’t seen by enough residents
❌ Misinformation—unofficial community Facebook groups spread incorrect details
❌ No direct line to residents—relying on third-party platforms meant losing control of messaging

2. Lack of Real-Time Notifications for Critical Updates

Before adopting GOGov, residents often learned about road closures, garbage delays, or severe weather updates too late. White Lake Township and Fenton Township both needed a direct and immediate way to notify residents about important township events, emergency alerts, and local government updates.

3. Growing Community Expectations for Digital Services

As more residents expect mobile-friendly, on-demand access to information, municipalities must modernize their communication strategies. 65% of Americans have interacted with local government online (Pew Research), showing the need for mobile apps, automated alerts, and digital-first citizen engagement.

How White Lake & Fenton Townships Are Leading the Way with GOGov

To tackle these challenges, both White Lake Township and Charter Township of Fenton implemented GOGov Citizen Notifications, providing residents with a township-branded mobile app and multi-channel mass notification system.

🚀 White Lake Township: Engaging a Multi-Generational Community

White Lake Township, known as the Four-Season Playground, serves a diverse population, including a significant senior community. Township officials realized that relying on social media alone was ineffective and wanted a direct way to communicate with all residents.

By launching MI White Lake, their municipality-branded mobile app powered by GOGov, the township has:
✅ Improved communication with real-time push notifications
✅ Reduced misinformation by providing an official, direct information source
✅ Kept residents updated on events, road projects, and emergency alerts

"We recognize that people are constantly on their phones, no matter where they are. It just made sense to engage with our community through that technology."
Kelly Lang, Supervisor’s Secretary, White Lake Township

📲 Fenton Township: Modernizing Township Communication

The Charter Township of Fenton faced similar challenges in keeping residents informed and engaged. Before adopting GOGov, township staff had to spend hours manually updating websites and answering phone calls about routine township updates.

With Fenton Connect, the township’s new GOGov-powered mobile app, they can:
✅ Send push notifications for service disruptions & event reminders
✅ Offer a seamless resident experience with instant access to resources
✅ Streamline internal workflows, reducing administrative burden

"All of our residents that download the My Fenton Township app get the push notifications to their device and not hours later when they check social media."
Monica McAlister, Communications Coordinator

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The Benefits of GOGov for Michigan Townships

Michigan townships need a modern, reliable, and efficient way to communicate with residents. GOGov provides a comprehensive citizen notifications solution designed specifically for local governments:

📱 Municipality-Branded Mobile App

• A centralized hub where residents can access alerts, event updates, and government resources in one place
• Available for free on iOS and Android

📢 Multi-Channel Citizen Notifications

• Push notifications, SMS/text alerts, email, and automated voice messages
• Ensures residents receive critical updates even if they don’t check social media

⚡ Improved Efficiency for Township Staff

• Reduces phone calls and manual work for government employees
• Allows townships to communicate faster with fewer resources

Why More Michigan Townships Should Follow Their Lead

The success of White Lake Township and Charter Township of Fenton highlights the growing need for modern, effective communication tools in local government. By implementing GOGov, these townships have:

✅ Strengthened trust between residents and local officials
✅ Eliminated reliance on social media algorithms
✅ Improved communication and engagement

For townships still relying on Facebook posts, newsletters, and manual phone calls, now is the time to make the switch.

Join Michigan townships in modernizing community engagement with GOGov. Schedule a Demo Today and visit us at the Michigan Township Association 2025 Annual Educational Conference & Expo!

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