The Blog
We write regularly on topics including public engagement, innovation, the environmental review process, transportation, infrastructure, urban planning, and our experience running a software company.
Streamlining Public Comments for the Department of Natural Resources
December 5, 2025
Public comment management is the set of processes a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) agency might use to collect, process, and respond to stakeholder input during rulemaking, permitting, and environmental review. Streamlining these processes reduces administrative backlog, improves evidence quality for decisions, and increases public trust by making participation easier and responses clearer. This article explains how DNR agencies can address operational bottlenecks, adopt digital tools, and apply analytic methods — including AI-assisted workflows — to convert large volumes of input into actionable policy intelligence. Readers will learn the primary challenges DNRs face, the categories of digital tools to consider, best practices for meaningful engagement, analytic techniques that..
Why does the Department of Transportation need Public Comment Software?
October 13, 2025
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
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
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.


