When the City of Lawton, Oklahoma needed to bridge communication gaps and reach residents beyond social media, they turned to modern local government software. This case study explores how Lawton implemented a custom local government mobile app to enhance mass communication for local government operations, improve citizen engagement, and create a more connected community of over 91,000 residents.

About Lawton, OK

Lawton-Fort Sill is shaped by a balance of growth and neighborly spirit, with a population just over 91,000. The city works every day to improve infrastructure and invest in programs like the Kids First Initiative, which focuses on strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and opportunities for families.

What makes Lawton unique is the people who live there. From simple acts of kindness to a willingness to help one another, that sense of community is something you can feel. Combined with steady job opportunities and affordable housing, Lawton-Fort Sill is a place where people can put down roots and build a future.

What was the challenge that led Lawton to GOGov?

Before partnering with GOGov, the City of Lawton wanted to strengthen how it reached residents—particularly those not active on social media. The Communications & Marketing team already utilized platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, and YouTube, but recognized a communication gap.

"We wanted a way to reach our community through a platform beyond traditional communication channels," said Gatlin. "GOGov's push alert feature allows us to connect directly with residents who may not be active on social media, ensuring they still receive important information from the City of Lawton."

After researching multiple vendors, Lawton ultimately chose GOGov for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

"We knew from the start that we wanted an app," Gatlin explained. "After meeting with a couple of other vendors, we ultimately chose GOGov because it was the most cost-effective solution and, just as importantly, the simplest to use!"

How is Lawton using GOGov today?

Lawton launched GoLawton this year, a branded local government mobile app powered by GOGov, to give residents an easy and reliable way to stay informed. Through the app, the city shares community news, updates, and push notifications—all in one central location.

"The response has been overwhelmingly positive," said Gatlin. "From the moment we announced the launch with a press release and social posts, the app gained attention. Our City Councilmembers even highlighted it during a Council meeting, offering strong praise and support!"

The GoLawton app gives residents quick access to the most frequently visited pages on the City's website—putting resources, updates, and service information right at their fingertips. This municipal communication platform demonstrates how effective local government software can streamline citizen services while improving transparency.

"This helps us live out our commitment to efficiency and transparency," Gatlin added. "GOGov has been a great tool in advancing that goal."

Future Plans for Lawton

Looking ahead, the City of Lawton plans to continue using GoLawton as a key tool for resident engagement and public education. Their strategic approach to mass communication for local government operations continues to evolve with technology.

"Our department is heavily focused on educating and engaging our community," Gatlin said. "Over the next year, I see GOGov continuing to play a key role in that mission by giving us a reliable platform to share timely updates, provide easy access to resources, and strengthen the connection between the City of Lawton and our residents."

While there are no immediate plans to expand their use of GOGov, the team sees ongoing value in using GoLawton as a trusted communication hub for residents and city staff alike.

Advice for Other Municipalities

"If you're looking to introduce an app to your community, I highly recommend GOGov," said Gatlin. "It gives residents quick, convenient access to our city's website while also allowing us to send out timely alerts. I appreciate having multiple ways to reach citizens, because municipal government can sometimes feel complex or difficult to follow. The more avenues you provide for residents to stay informed, the better! GOGov makes that possible."

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 Bristol demonstrates the potential of our solutions to make a meaningful impact on local governments and districts 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.

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