City of Grand Marais launches TextMyGov communication platform

The City of Grand Marais launched a smart-texting communication platform called TextMyGov on Friday, Feb. 21, to enhance communication between the city and residents.

The TextMyGov platform will allow Grand Marais residents to subscribe to updates for city announcements, public hearings, and emergency notifications. The Grand Marais City Council approved the purchase and implementation of TextMyGov during a Nov. 26, 2024 meeting.

City Communications Director Patrick Knight said the new communication tool “will make communications a lot quicker and more direct.”

Knight said while the platform provides a wide range of communication services, the city will primarily use TextMyGov to inform residents of road closures, power outages, dates of upcoming public hearings, and any other necessary citywide announcements.

TextMyGov allows the city to send and receive text messages to large groups of individuals at the same time. It also allows the city to send text messages to specific geographic areas if there are isolated power outages. “It creates a lot of efficiency, and it just makes the job a lot easier to get the word out to a lot of people,” Knight said.

Knight said that individuals are not required to be city residents to subscribe to receive updates. “Anyone who wants to opt in can.”

A recent power outage on Jan. 19 during a cold snap is a prime example of how the city will be able to communicate with the public via TextMyGov as it works to restore power to residents.

To sign up for TextMyGov, text ‘gmalerts’ to 91896. Then, respond YES to opt in for city announcements. Individuals can also sign up on the City of Grand Marais website here.

TextMyGov Sign Up

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with City Communications Director Patrick Knight about the new TextMyGov communication platform. The audio from the interview is below.

Kalli Hawkins February 21, 2025