The City of Chester, Pennsylvania has been around for centuries — but its approach to resident communication is decidedly modern. Located just outside Philadelphia, Chester (pop. ~33,000) partnered with GOGov to launch Chester City Connect, a branded citizen notifications mobile app that delivers real-time updates directly to residents' phones. Here's how the city is using technology to bridge the gap between City Hall and the community it serves.

About Chester, PA

Located just a short drive from Philadelphia, the City of Chester, Pennsylvania, holds the distinction of being the state's oldest city. With a population of approximately 33,000 residents, Chester has a rich history that dates back centuries, though its population was once twice as large during its industrial peak in the 1940s. Today, the city is in a phase of reinvention, embracing a vision captured by its motto: "Where History Meets Progress." This blend of heritage and forward-looking initiatives makes Chester a community that honors its past while actively shaping its future.

The Challenge

For the City of Chester, communicating effectively with residents, businesses, and visitors has become increasingly complex. Traditional methods like newspapers and television no longer reach the majority of the population, especially younger residents. Mayor Stefan Roots recognized that connecting with the community now requires multiple channels and modern solutions. With nearly everyone carrying a smartphone, a mobile app became an ideal way to reach residents directly, ensuring important updates and information are easily accessible.

The city first learned about GOGov at a local government conference. Several staff members had previous experience with the platform which helped the decision. After securing funding and exploring the platform, Chester saw an opportunity to enhance communications and strengthen engagement, leading to the launch of the Chester City Connect citizen notifications mobile app.

The Solution: Chester City Connect

Chester relies on GOGov's citizen notifications to keep residents informed and engaged with city news, events, and important updates. The platform allows the city to customize categories that link directly to its website, making it easier for residents to access frequently used resources with just a single tap. For Mayor Stefan Roots, the notification system ensures he stays up to date on what the city is sharing with the public, while also providing a simple way to promote events and information to residents.

The app has been well received by both staff and residents. Many residents are pleasantly surprised by the availability and ease of the technology, and the app's free, quick installation encourages adoption. Downloads continue to grow as users share the app with friends and family, giving them more control over the notifications they receive. From teenagers getting their first smartphone to seniors accessing updates from home, Chester City Connect bridges the communication gap across generations, ensuring that everyone can stay connected with the city.

"When people see that we have an app on both platforms, they get excited. It's a surprise at first, but once they realize it's free and easy to install, they start receiving notifications and sharing the app with others. Whether someone downloads it and subscribes or just downloads it, the value is the same—they're connected to the city." — Mayor Stefan Roots

Impact & Success

Chester City Connect has proven especially valuable during urgent situations, such as snowstorms, when residents need real-time updates about plowing and street conditions. Mayor Stefan Roots explains:

"When the first flake falls, people start asking City Hall when we're going to plow their street. GOGov allows us to get that information out instantly, including emergency contacts if residents need assistance. The ease of communication between City Hall and our residents in those moments has been critical."

The city also tracks success through app downloads, which help determine how effectively residents are being reached. Beyond instant alerts, the app's notification history allows residents to revisit information days after it's first shared—something traditional social media posts cannot provide. This ensures that all residents, regardless of when they check the app, can access important updates. For Chester, the combination of immediate communication and lasting access has made Chester City Connect an indispensable tool for keeping the community informed and engaged.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Chester plans to continue leveraging GOGov as a reliable tool for year-round communication. Over time, the city has already used the app for a full cycle of seasonal updates, emergencies, and community information. Moving forward, the focus will be on refining how information is presented, especially improving the design and clarity of graphics—while maintaining the app's reliability and accessibility.

Mayor Stefan Roots notes that the app's reach extends beyond current residents, connecting former residents and others who maintain an interest in Chester. "The reach of GOGov is important," he says. "Wherever it's subscribed to on a phone, people can get information about our city. That keeps us excited. We'll continue finding newer, sharper ways to use it while keeping it running and available for everyone."

Advice to Other Municipalities

Mayor Stefan Roots is clear about his recommendation: municipalities should embrace mobile communication tools like GOGov. "You've got to do it," he says. "It's right in people's pockets every day—on their phones, in their cars, wherever they go. There are a lot of tools out there, but GOGov is solid, well-made, and backed by incredible customer service. It's another tool in the toolbox for governments to reach their constituents."

He also notes that GOGov's pricing scales based on population size, making it accessible for communities of all sizes. "Whether you're a small town or a large city, the value per person is worth it. We're going into our second year using GOGov, and we have no plans to discontinue—it's been a great tool for us."

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 Chesterdemonstrates the potential of our solutions to make a meaningful impact on local governments and districts of all sizes.

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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