The Blog

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We write regularly on topics including public engagement, innovation, the environmental review process, transportation, infrastructure, urban planning, and our experience running a software company.

Why does the Department of Transportation need Public Comment Software?

October 13, 2025

Departments of Transportation (DOTs) manage some of the most visible and politically sensitive projects in government. From environmental reviews (NEPA) to urban mobility plans, every initiative must incorporate public feedback in a meaningful, legally compliant way.

Streamlining Public Comment Systems for the Department of Commerce

September 17, 2025

In an era of increasing transparency demands, the Department of Commerce (DOC) relies on effective public comment systems to engage stakeholders and make informed decisions. These systems are critical in collecting, analyzing, and responding to public input on rulemakings, infrastructure projects, and data policies. However, legacy comment collection processes often hinder the DOC’s ability to act quickly and confidently on the comments received.

Modern platforms like SmartComment redefine how the federal government approaches public comment, delivering tools that foster engagement, enhance accessibility, and support more responsive governance.

How Do Digital Commenting Tools Increase Transparency in Rural Areas?

June 25, 2025

The Myth “Public feedback is too scattered and complicated to manage digitally, especially in rural areas.”

How SmartComment Helps Medicaid Agencies Integrate the Voice of the Patient and Caregiver

May 23, 2025

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made it clear: improving Medicare and Medicaid Integration and the experience of delivering and receiving health care begins by listening. According to CMS’s Optimizing Care Delivery Framework, Priority 1 is to “Integrate the voice of the patient and caregiver into opportunities to enhance care access and delivery.”

Mobilizing Public Support with Advocacy Software

April 15, 2025

This article is Part Two of our series. In Part One, we discussed how SmartComment helps advocacy campaigns and simplifies the public comment process by improving transparency and boosting stakeholder participation. This ensures that advocacy groups can listen to public feedback and use it in their initiatives.

Empowering Advocacy Campaigns for Public Engagement​ & Customer Service

March 25, 2025

In today's dynamic socio-political landscape, effective public engagement is paramount for successful advocacy campaigns. Advocacy organizations strive to mobilize support, influence policy, and drive societal change. However, challenges such as managing extensive public feedback, analyzing sentiments, and demonstrating tangible impact can impede progress. Enter SmartComment, a cutting-edge platform designed to support public engagement that can also support your advocacy efforts.​

5 Ways Comment Management Tools Can Streamline Your Team's Workflow

January 31, 2025

Efficiently managing public comments is essential for government agencies and organizations committed to transparent and effective engagement. Comment management tools like SmartComment make complex tasks easier. They also offer strong features that boost team productivity and improve workflow efficiency. Here’s how SmartComment aligns with these functionalities:

Streamlining Public Comment Management for Government Agencies

December 28, 2024

Managing public commentary is a critical yet complex task for government agencies. A strong public comment management tool, like SmartComment, can change this process. It helps with significant challenges like:

Boosting Civic Engagement and Citizen Participation with Smart Technology

November 7, 2024

In today's digital world, civic engagement has become a cornerstone of governance. Government agencies and public institutions are constantly seeking ways to involve citizens in decision-making processes, but traditional methods of public outreach—such as town hall meetings and physical surveys—often fall short. This is where smart technology steps in to revolutionize citizen participation.

Why Government Agencies Must Enhance Public Engagement

October 9, 2024

In today’s rapidly evolving world, public engagement is more critical than ever for government agencies. These agencies work to create policies and use resources wisely. Understanding the needs of different groups is important.