As municipalities evolve into the trending “smart cities”, digital signage remains at the core of the execution plan. Whether digital displays are located inside or out, they provide critical information to the community that is an accessible form of communication for all area residents.

Deer Park, Texas saw an opportunity when looking to better brand their community. They opted to put signs in five locations – animal control, public library, municipal court, the golf course and the community center/city hall.

Each location provides an opportunity to reach citizens where they are at, with messages relevant to the individual target audience. And for emergency or city-wide campaigns, the Deer Park employees can instruct the displays to share the same message. All five displays operate from one central control system that operators can control from a smart device. Deer Park also integrates its display network to social media, providing a hands-off method for the displays to keep citizens informed on time-sensitive information.

Deer Park is just one example of how digital signage can add to a community. Below are 10 trending ways city, county, state and federal government offices use digital signage.

Highlight key city services
Sharing garbage and recycling pickup schedules, procedure for reporting potholes or streetlight outages, contact information for animal control, community gardens, the library, etc.
Improve traffic flow at city offices with directories
Typical government building offices come with waiting lines. Digital signage guides expectations for visitors as well as directing them to the correct office for paying bills or requesting documents, which aids in reducing wait times and alleviates stress on staff.
Communicate timely emergency notifications
In a snow alert or tornado warning? Digital signage can minimize the number of cars towed or phone calls for where to take shelter. Additionally, you might consider promoting when any tests or drills may be conducted. Another use may be warning residents of an uptick in local crime or scams.
Promote upcoming events
Sharing activities like an upcoming holidays, armed forces programs, firefighter fundraisers, swimming lessons, elections or a fundraiser for a town resident can boost attendance.
Generate revenue through advertising
Anytime people are waiting in line presents an opportunity to reach a captive audience. Digital signage can be a source for revenue – whether the display’s messages are “brought to you by” a local bank or you provide advertising slots for area businesses.
Highlight open jobs or key personnel
Suggest job opportunities within your offices or highlight leaders within your community such as the mayor, city council representatives or department heads.
Communicate area services
Many questions fielded by the city do not always fall under the government itself – but they can be a source for distributing information like food pantry hours, utility bill help, job service programs, or help getting residents to the voting polls.
Answer common questions in multiple languages
Develop a set of FAQs and answer these in multiple language to help aid your staff with language barriers.
Public transportation options
Whether your community offers busing, subways or ride share programs, communicate how taking advantage of these services could impact your community.
Highlighting “did you knows”
Providing awareness to the community on various elements of your local government can be an easy way to raise awareness. Whether you highlight your new recycling policies or the city-owned elements of your community, it can be a fun method of sharing critical information.