In an era where effective municipal communication is crucial for civic engagement, the City of Frankfort, Indiana stands out as a success story. By partnering with GOGov's local government app platform in 2022, this vibrant community of 16,000 residents transformed how they connect with citizens. From overcoming social media algorithm challenges to streamlining emergency municipal notifications, Frankfort's journey with their Connect Frankfort IN app demonstrates the power of direct, reliable civic communication.

About Frankfort, Indiana: The "Gem City" Community

Frankfort, Indiana, is a vibrant community of about 16,000 residents, located within Clinton County, which has a total population of roughly 30,000–35,000. The city is known for its rich diversity, with a large Hispanic and Latino population, a growing number of new residents, and a blend of longtime community members of all ages. This mix gives Frankfort a unique character and a welcoming, inclusive spirit.

Frankfort is perhaps best known as the proud home of the "Hot Dogs"—a mascot that perfectly captures the city's fun and spirited personality. The city also carries the nickname "Gem City," a title rooted in its history as one of the first communities in the region to have electricity. When train passengers arrived years ago, they would describe Frankfort as a glowing beacon of light on the prairie. That legacy lives on today, with many local attractions, businesses, and community spaces drawing on gemstone-themed names, including the city's Sapphire Bay Aquatic Center.

With its deep history, diverse culture, and unique traditions, Frankfort continues to shine as a true "gem" of Indiana.

The Municipal Communication Challenge That Led Frankfort to GOGov

Before partnering with GOGov in 2022, the City of Frankfort was looking for a more reliable way to keep residents informed and engaged. Traditional methods like text messages and social media weren't always effective, important updates could get lost in crowded text inboxes or buried by algorithms on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

The city needed a solution that gave residents a clear, consistent way to access information without depending on third-party platforms. From event reminders like Muffins with the Mayor or the summer concert series, to critical updates about road construction, trash delays, and city services, Frankfort wanted a tool that could organize and centralize municipal notifications. They also needed a way to link residents directly to the city website for more detailed information, whether that meant looking up a phone number, checking sanitation schedules, or contacting city staff.

GOGov provided the perfect fit, offering a user-friendly mobile app and email integration that worked across generations and communication preferences. For Frankfort, it was a way to reach residents directly without noise, without distractions, and without relying on outside media to interpret the city's message.

How Frankfort Uses GOGov's Municipal App Platform Today

Since adopting GOGov in 2022, the City of Frankfort has used its branded app, Connect Frankfort IN, to make communication easier and more direct. The city relies on the platform to share everything from emergency alerts and road closures to reminders about community events. By posting updates directly to the app and via email, residents can revisit important information at any time—without worrying about missed text messages or social media algorithms.

Kimberly Black, Community & Outreach Director, explained:

"I think the biggest thing is just communication, communication, communication… This has impacted our community by letting people know their local officials are on their side. It's direct, it's easy, and it's a win-win for everyone."

City staff use the app for both scheduled posts and real-time alerts. At the beginning of each month, Kimberly schedules updates to streamline workflow, while still having the ability to send urgent notifications instantly from her phone or computer. The platform has become a trusted resource for both residents and staff, helping department heads share information quickly and keeping the community connected.

Residents have embraced the app as a reliable source of direct information from the city:

"When I go somewhere, people will say, 'Oh, I didn't know about that,' and I'll ask, 'Do you have our city app?' If they don't, I will show them how to use it. It's become a conversation starter."

Future Plans for Municipal Communication in Frankfort

Looking ahead, Frankfort plans to continue using Connect Frankfort IN to keep residents informed during major projects and city initiatives. Kimberly reflected on a past example that shows the platform's value:

"When INDOT rebuilt a major highway through our city, it essentially cut Frankfort in half. Connect Frankfort IN gave us a way to share which roads were open, what detours to use, and updates straight from the state. It was invaluable to have real-time communication in a situation like that."

While no large new projects are underway at the moment, the city is committed to growing app adoption and expanding its use whenever opportunities arise. Whether for future road work, service updates, or community events, Connect Frankfort IN will remain a central hub for timely, transparent communication between the city and its residents.

Expert Advice for Other Municipalities Considering GOGov

When asked what advice she would share with other local governments considering GOGov, Kimberly admitted she was skeptical at first about launching another platform. But her perspective quickly shifted once she saw how customizable and easy to maintain the app was.

"I wasn't sure at first why we needed to share information on another platform. But being able to fully customize the app so it looks like it was built by the City of Frankfort was priceless. On my end, there's virtually no maintenance—I send in photos, make requests, and GOGov handles the rest. I don't know of another tool that's this easy while still feeling like it's truly ours."

Kimberly also noted that other Indiana communities have reached out through AIM (Accelerate Indiana Municipalities) to learn how Frankfort manages communication with residents. She's quick to point them to GOGov.

"It really speaks volumes. At first, I was hesitant because it is an investment, but the way GOGov put everything together made the process refreshing and simple. We're proud of the app, and I'm always happy to recommend it to other communities."

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 Frankfort 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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