As cities and towns across the country grow, the need for more effective communication and streamlined services becomes increasingly important. A municipality-branded mobile app can be the perfect solution, offering local governments the ability to connect with residents in real-time, streamline communication, and improve overall efficiency. With the rise of digital-first services, especially among younger and working-age populations, having a branded app is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.

In this post, we’ll explore the many benefits of municipality-branded mobile apps for growing communities, with a particular focus on marketing opportunities, streamlined workflows, and the increasing demand for digital services.

The Demand for Digital Services in Local Government

The world is becoming more mobile-focused, and local governments must keep up with the shift in how residents want to interact with services. Research shows that digital services are particularly in demand among younger and working-age populations:

• Millennials and Gen Z are driving the demand for digital government services: A 2023 survey by Accenture found that 75% of millennials and Gen Zs prefer digital-first government services, including mobile apps, for communication and accessing resources.
• Mobile apps help bridge the gap between citizens and their local governments: According to a study from GovLoop, 62% of residents believe that local governments should make services more accessible via digital platforms, especially mobile.
• Working-age adults expect efficiency: 70% of working-age individuals (ages 25-54) expect their local governments to provide mobile apps to streamline their services, according to Pew Research.

This growing expectation for digital access to municipal services creates an opportunity for municipalities to engage their communities, especially as populations grow. By providing a branded mobile app, local governments can meet these expectations, offer residents a seamless experience, and stand out as forward-thinking in the digital age.

Streamlined Communication & Engagement with Residents

Municipality-branded mobile apps offer a direct line of communication between governments and residents. As communities grow, the need for timely, organized communication becomes critical for:

1. Real-Time Updates: Municipal apps enable local governments to instantly communicate critical information to residents—whether it’s an emergency alert, road closure, event reminder, or service disruption. This direct, real-time communication fosters trust and transparency.
   • Example: Cities like Attica, Indiana, and Mabank, Texas, have adopted municipality-branded apps powered by GOGov, allowing them to communicate emergency updates to residents instantly. This immediate access has proven invaluable during severe weather events and citywide announcements.
2. Centralized Information Hub: Instead of relying on multiple communication channels, such as social media or outdated websites, a branded app centralizes all important information. This eliminates confusion and ensures residents have a one-stop shop for all things related to local government.
   • Example: Granville, Ohio, recently shifted away from social media clutter by launching the “Go Granville” app. This app provides residents with construction alerts, road closures, meeting notices, and more, all in one easy-to-access location.
3. Service Requests Made Simple: With a mobile app, residents can report issues, such as potholes or graffiti, with the click of a button. Municipalities can then respond quickly, track the progress of the service request, and provide real-time updates to the resident. This boosts civic engagement while ensuring quicker resolution of problems.
   • Example: Hillsdale, Michigan’s “My Hillsdale” app allows residents to submit service requests and track their progress directly from their smartphones, improving overall efficiency for both the local government and residents.

Marketing Benefits for Growing Municipalities

Beyond improving communication and service efficiency, municipality-branded apps also serve as powerful marketing tools for growing communities. As populations expand, a mobile app helps municipalities showcase their commitment to modern, digital solutions, appealing to new residents, businesses, and tourists alike.

1. Boosting Local Visibility: A branded app provides the perfect platform for municipalities to promote local events, businesses, and attractions. The app becomes a digital brochure, showcasing what the community has to offer while also facilitating engagement with local services.
2. Building a Stronger Community Identity: For municipalities that want to build a cohesive and unique brand, a mobile app offers the chance to personalize communication channels. Custom branding on the app reinforces the community’s identity, helping municipalities create a more unified look and feel across all digital touchpoints.
3. Targeted Marketing Opportunities: With a mobile app, municipalities can leverage push notifications for targeted communication, ensuring that residents receive relevant updates about local services, events, or programs. This allows governments to connect with residents in a more personalized way, increasing engagement and fostering a stronger sense of community.
   • Example: Davie County, North Carolina’s “DavieCo App” uses push notifications to keep residents informed about specific services and events, ensuring that engagement levels remain high.

Streamlined Workflows for Efficiency

One of the most significant benefits of a municipality-branded app is its ability to streamline workflows for local government staff. As communities grow, the demand on local governments to provide efficient, responsive services increases. A mobile app helps manage that demand by:

1. Reducing Paperwork: By digitizing processes like code enforcement, permitting, and citizen requests, municipalities can reduce paperwork, eliminate manual data entry, and improve overall efficiency.
   • Example: Garfield Township, Michigan, reduced its blight enforcement paperwork through GOGov’s code enforcement platform, which integrates with their branded app, making it easier for staff to manage cases and communicate with residents.
2. Integrated Systems: Modern mobile apps can integrate seamlessly with other municipal systems, such as asset management, permitting, and payment processing. This enables staff to handle multiple tasks through a single platform, reducing redundancy and improving communication across departments.
3. Analytics and Reporting: Municipal apps can provide valuable data on citizen engagement, service requests, and communication trends, allowing governments to make more informed decisions. These analytics help local governments understand their community better and tailor their services accordingly.
   • Example: With GOGov’s CRM integrations, municipalities can access real-time data on service requests, making it easier to address community needs proactively.

Conclusion: A Vital Tool for Modern Local Governments

For growing municipalities, a branded mobile app is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. These apps offer the digital services that younger and working-age populations demand, while also providing local governments with tools to communicate more effectively, streamline workflows, and boost engagement. In addition to the operational benefits, branded apps also serve as powerful marketing tools, helping municipalities build stronger community identities and appeal to new residents and businesses.

As more cities and towns recognize the importance of digital-first government services, adopting a municipality-branded app will not only enhance resident engagement but also future-proof the community for continued growth. Schedule a demo with our team today.

‍