Celebrating Clerks: Modernizing Local Government with GOGov

(925) 456-4468

Sales@gogovapps.com

Support center

Permitting and Licensing

May 8, 2025

Celebrating Clerks: Modernizing Local Government with GOGov

Blog

Municipal Clerks are often called the “unsung heroes” of local government—and for good reason. Behind every smoothly run meeting, transparent public record, and timely resident update, there's a Clerk working tirelessly to keep everything organized, accessible, and compliant.

At GOGov, we proudly support Clerks across the country by providing intuitive technology solutions that help them meet modern demands while staying true to their core mission: serving their communities efficiently and transparently.

In celebration of the 56th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week, we’re shining a spotlight on how Clerks are embracing technology like GOGov to modernize operations, strengthen citizen engagement, and create more resilient, connected communities.

The Evolving Role of the Municipal Clerk

Today’s Municipal Clerks do far more than manage agendas and keep meeting minutes. They are:

Gatekeepers of Transparency — overseeing public notices, FOIA management, and election communications.
Community Connectors — ensuring residents have real-time access to critical information.
Compliance Leaders — maintaining strict legal and procedural standards.
Process Innovators — seeking ways to streamline operations and adopt digital-first approaches.

Yet, many Clerks still face significant challenges: outdated manual processes, increasing workloads, and a growing demand from residents for online services and instant access.

That's where GOGov comes in.

How Clerks Use GOGov to Power Modern Governance

GOGov’s solutions are designed specifically with Clerks and local governments in mind. Here's how Clerks across the country are putting GOGov’s tools to work:

1. Streamlining Public Communication and Notifications

Problem:
Managing communication through multiple manual channels can be time-consuming and inefficient.

GOGov Solution:
With Citizen Notifications, Clerks can send timely, targeted alerts via mobile app push notifications, SMS, and email—ensuring important updates are delivered directly to residents' devices without extra administrative burden.

Real-World Use Cases:

City council meeting notices
Emergency weather alerts
Election deadlines and updates
Public hearing opportunities
Holiday closures

📊 Stat: 85% of Americans own a smartphone (Pew Research Center), making mobile notifications the fastest way to reach citizens today.

2. Managing Public Records, FOIA Requests, and Citizen Inquiries

Problem:
Tracking service requests, managing FOIA submissions, and responding to complaints is overwhelming with paper or disconnected systems.

GOGov Solution:
Clerks use Citizen Request Management to streamline service intake, tracking, and fulfillment. Every request is logged, time-stamped, and routed to the correct department—while keeping residents updated along the way.

Real-World Use Cases:

FOIA/public records requests
Code enforcement issues
Licensing and general inquiries
Service request updates

The system builds transparency, improves workflow efficiency, and ensures better documentation for compliance audits.

3. Expanding Services with Online Permitting and Licensing

Problem:
Manual permitting processes often require in-person visits, paperwork, and long wait times—frustrating residents and burdening Clerk staff.

GOGov Solution:
With Online Permitting and Licensing, Clerks can move permit applications, business licenses, and renewals completely online. Residents submit applications, pay fees, and track status updates—all without stepping into City Hall.

Benefits to Clerks and Communities:

Reduce front-desk traffic and phone inquiries
Improve processing time for permits and licenses
Keep all permit history in one centralized digital system
Send automatic notifications when additional information is needed or approvals are granted

Example Permits Handled Online:

Event permits
Business licenses
Short-term rental permits
Building permits

📊 Stat: Over 70% of Americans prefer to complete government services online or via mobile apps (Accenture Public Service Citizen Survey).

4. Powering Citizen Engagement Through Branded Mobile Apps

Problem:
Residents expect digital access to government services just like they do from private sector companies—but many municipalities lag behind.

GOGov Solution:
Through municipality-branded Mobile Apps, Clerks provide residents with a one-stop-shop for news, alerts, requests, meetings, and local information.

Features Residents Love:

Easy service request submissions
Instant updates and alerts
Meeting agendas and minutes access
Event calendars and reminders
Local ordinances and resources at their fingertips

📲 Stat: 70% of consumers prefer mobile apps over websites for accessing services (BuildFire)—and government services are no exception.

Success Story Highlight:
Communities like Chattanooga, TN and Granville, OH have successfully launched GOGov-powered apps, transforming how residents engage with local government—especially during critical events and emergencies.

5. Simplifying Elections and Public Hearing Management

Problem:
Election seasons and public hearings involve complex schedules, strict deadlines, and an overwhelming need for proactive communication.

GOGov Solution:
With GOGov’s Notification system, Clerks can automate voter registration reminders, post public hearing announcements, and promote candidate filing dates—all while maintaining a transparent, easily searchable archive for compliance.

Example Notifications:

Early voting schedules
Polling location changes
Candidate filing deadlines
Public comment period openings

6. Strengthening Internal Collaboration and Transparency

Problem:
Without a centralized system, departments can struggle to coordinate service requests and citizen inquiries.

GOGov Solution:
Clerks use GOGov’s unified platform to assign, monitor, and complete requests across departments—leading to faster response times and better reporting.

Benefits Include:

Real-time status updates for staff and residents
Data-driven insights into trends and workload
Improved cross-department collaboration

Why Clerks Trust GOGov

🔹 Ease of Use — Built for non-technical users; fast onboarding.
🔹 Cost-Effective — Scalable pricing options for towns, villages, and cities.
🔹 Customizable — Tailor requests, permits, and notifications to your community’s needs.
🔹 Cloud-Based — Work remotely, access anywhere, stay connected.
🔹 Built for Municipalities — 100% focused on the unique needs of local governments.

Looking Ahead: Clerks Leading the Future of Digital Government Powered by GOGov

As expectations continue to rise, Municipal Clerks are leading the charge into a future that is mobile, transparent, and citizen-focused.

By partnering with GOGov, Clerks can:
✅ Strengthen community trust
✅ Increase operational efficiency
✅ Expand access to vital services
✅ Build a more connected, resilient municipality

As we honor Municipal Clerks during the 56th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week, let’s also recognize their critical role in driving the future of local government.