The City of Lincoln has been a GOGov customer since 2021 and actively uses all four of our solutions: Citizen Notifications, Citizen Requests, Code Enforcement, and Online Permitting & Licensing. By leveraging the full suite of products, Lincoln has streamlined communication, improved resident engagement, and modernized key municipal processes.

About the City of Lincoln

The City of Lincoln is a welcoming community of about 14,000 residents, located in the heart of Illinois. With its central location and convenient access to I-55, I-155, and Amtrak service, Lincoln offers easy travel throughout the state, making it an ideal bedroom community for those who commute.

Founded in 1853 and uniquely christened by and for Abraham Lincoln—before his presidency—Lincoln holds the distinction of being the only city named after him during his lifetime. Rich in history, the city sits along the iconic Route 66, attracting travelers from across the country who come to experience this legendary corridor.

What was the challenge that led Lincoln to GOGov?

The City of Lincoln recognized that its existing code enforcement and permitting system was outdated and no longer meeting the needs of staff or residents. City officials wanted a solution that would simplify citizen engagement, streamline processes, and create a more reliable system for tracking cases and communicating updates.

To explore options, Lincoln conducted online research into available platforms and evaluated several potential vendors. Through these efforts and conversations with GOGov representatives, the city identified GOGov as the platform that could modernize operations while also strengthening connections with the community.

As the City learned more about the system's capabilities, leaders saw the opportunity to go beyond code enforcement and permitting. They expanded their vision to include GOGov's Citizen Notifications platform for direct resident communication and a Citizen Request Management/311 platform to give citizens an easy way to report issues and requests. This broader adoption ensured that Lincoln could address multiple needs with one integrated system.

How is Lincoln using GOGov today?

Since adopting GOGov, the City of Lincoln has implemented all four platforms—Citizen Requests, Citizen Notifications, Code Enforcement, and Online Permitting & Licensing. Together, these tools have modernized processes across multiple departments, improving both internal efficiency and public engagement.

Citizen Requests

Citizens can easily file complaints or requests through the GoLinc mobile app. Each submission is automatically routed to the correct departments such as Code Enforcement, Streets, or Police assuring faster response times and a simplified process. Requests are tracked, organized, and communicated back to the citizen, increasing accountability and transparency.

Citizen Notifications

Through GoLinc, the city delivers real-time push notifications to keep residents informed. Updates on road closures, office hours and holiday schedules, community events, and even disaster or severe weather cleanup are regularly shared, strengthening engagement and awareness across the community.

Code Enforcement

Staff now manage code enforcement cases more efficiently with GOGov's digital platform. The system provides improved tracking and communication tools, streamlining workflows and allowing enforcement issues reported through the app to seamlessly connect with internal operations.

Online Permitting & Licensing

Permitting has been transformed from a paper-heavy process into a centralized digital workflow. All contact information, project details, and required documents are collected and stored in one accessible location. This has made it easier for applicants to submit materials and has improved communication between residents and City staff, reducing delays and confusion.

By leveraging both citizen-facing tools and internal systems, Lincoln has built a connected, modern government that delivers better experience for residents while simplifying day-to-day operations for staff.

Results & Impact

Since adopting GOGov, the City of Lincoln has seen measurable improvements across both resident services and internal operations.

Faster Citizen Response

When residents submit a complaint or request through the GoLinc app, they receive immediate confirmation and ongoing updates. Citizens now know where their issue stands and what steps are being taken, which has increased satisfaction and trust in local government.

Streamlined Permitting

Contractors and property owners benefit from a quicker, more efficient permitting process. With all required information and documents submitted online in one package, turnaround times have improved significantly. The City has also reduced paper usage, further modernizing operations and cutting waste.

Accountability Through Reporting

Each month, City staff provide detailed reports to the City Council covering complaint totals, request types, and building permit activity, including associated costs. This transparency has strengthened oversight and helps demonstrate the value of the system.

Work Order Tracking

Requests for physical issues—such as sidewalks, trees, or illegally dumped rubbish—are converted into work tickets that remain open until resolved. This tracking process ensures accountability, creates a clear record of progress, and helps the City quantify its efforts to improve the community.

By combining better communication, improved processes, and stronger reporting, Lincoln has achieved both operational efficiency and higher citizen satisfaction, proving the value of investing in modern technology.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, the City of Lincoln is preparing to adopt and amend the latest building codes. With GOGov in place, the city will be able to seamlessly communicate these updates to contractors and developers. Notifications will ensure stakeholders are aware of the changes in real time, while updates within the permitting software will keep the information front and center during the application process. By making these updates accessible before submittals, Lincoln will help contractors adjust projects accordingly and avoid delays.

Advice to Others

For municipalities considering GOGov, Lincoln emphasizes the value of a centralized, organized system that connects departments and improves communication.

"Having all pertinent information in one centralized location (per issue, project, complaint) has allowed for better and quicker communication with citizens, staff, supervisors, developers, and virtually anyone using the system." — Wes Woodhall, Building & Safety Official, City of Lincoln, IL

Lincoln also highlights the importance of strong support from GOGov:

"The City of Lincoln has been extremely satisfied with the product. We would also commend the immediate and thorough customer service response. We have personalized responses to any issue or question that may arise, this often includes a personal call or virtual meeting which allows for better explanation and response to our residents." — Wes Woodhall

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 Lincoln 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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