GOGov was recently highlighted in an article on the ICMA website and Assistants and Deputy Newsletter, The Power of a Municipal App, written by CASEY LUCIUS, PhD, is assistant city manager of Marco Island, Florida, USA.
This article highlights the significant benefits of a municipal app from GOGov for enhancing resident engagement and communication. It underscores how traditional communication methods like email blasts and social media posts can often be insufficient or prone to misinformation, while a dedicated mobile app offers a more reliable, streamlined, and direct connection between local governments and residents.
The "MyMarco App" has proven to be an effective tool, allowing Marco Island to send real-time notifications about road closures, tropical storm warnings, and public works updates while also providing residents an easy way to report issues like debris or obstructions.
Key takeaways include:
- Apps provide instant communication: Unlike printed newsletters, which can be slow and costly, app notifications reach residents immediately.
- More effective than social media: Apps offer fact-based communication without the noise or misinformation often seen on platforms like Facebook or Twitter.
- Older generations are adopting technology: Research shows that baby boomers are increasingly comfortable using new technologies, making mobile apps a viable option for engaging all age groups.
- Staff commitment is essential: Successful app implementation requires the involvement of multiple departments to ensure timely responses and proper management of service requests.
Overall, Marco Island’s success with their branded app highlights how other municipalities can benefit from adopting similar solutions to improve transparency, responsiveness, and resident satisfaction.
Read the full article on the ICMA Website:
