TextMyGov
The City of Albany is rolling out our new text service, TextMyGov! Our goal is to reach you where you are. TextMyGov lets you get text notifications directly from the source about what matters to you, right on your phone.
Did You Receive a Text from 91896 on Thursday, September 3rd?
Don't worry, it wasn't a scam. That was the City of Albany letting you know that you are enrolled in our major notification group.
What does it mean for you?
You have all of the control. You can opt out by replying STOP at any time to that text. If you choose to stay enrolled, you will receive notifications whenever the City makes a major announcement. Your first major notification will be a survey about our search for the next Chief of Police, since Chief Michael Persley announced his retirement. After that, you will only receive notifications about major City announcements.
What if I didn't receive a text?
You can still sign up for major notifications! All you have to do is text ALBANYGA to 91896 and then reply 
"Yes" to the message you receive from that same number. Now, you will also receive major notifications!
Are those the only notifications I can sign up for?
Nope! We also have an Events group for anyone who wants to know about events happening around town. You can also sign up to receive City of Albany Press Releases. These are similar to major notifications but more frequent and include smaller announcements like road closures, information about Albany Utility notifications, airport announcements, etc. (Mostly road work, though.) You can also sign up for notifications about upcoming City of Albany meetings. We also have notifications about the services we offer. These will let you know about our telecom, solid waste, and natural gas services that we provide.
How do I sign up for these other groups?
For the events group, text ALBANYEVENTS to 91896. For press releases, text ALBANYPR to 91896. For meeting notifications, text ALBANYMEETINGS to 91896. For service notifications, text ALBANYSERVICES to 91896.
What if I am receiving the same texts multiple times?
That probably means you are signed up for multiple groups, and we sent the same message to multiple groups. If you want someone to take a look and see which groups you are signed up for, or if you need help unregistering from one group but not the other, call (229) 302-1342.
Is this the only thing this new service offers?
No. In fact, TextMyGov includes many really cool features. All of which we plan on utilizing. We will work diligently with our City departments to get those features up and running and to continue growing this service to meet your needs.
You're only a text away.
It's now that simple to stay in the know about where you live, work, and play.
What is TextMyGov?
TextMyGov is a simple way for residents to communicate with their local government using text messages. By texting a keyword to your community’s TextMyGov phone number, you can quickly find information, report issues, and receive updates without downloading an app or navigating a website. Features may vary by community, so available options depend on how your municipality has chosen to use the system.
Residents can text keywords to a 10-digit town or city telephone number to get instant answers at any time of day. Common uses include finding office hours, trash schedules, permits, meeting agendas, or election information. You can also report issues by texting a reporting keyword and answering a few follow-up questions, which may include an address or photo. These messages are reviewed by local officials during normal business operations.
If enabled, residents can also opt in to receive text alerts from a 5-digit short code for important updates, such as:
- Weather and emergency alerts
- Road closures and service disruptions
- Event announcements and meeting reminders
- Election dates and civic updates
Some residents may receive direct messages or automated voice calls for account-related or area-specific information. TextMyGov is designed to keep residents informed and connected with their local government more quickly and conveniently.
TextMyGov cannot provide municipality-specific information to residents. If you have a question about how your municipality uses TextMyGov, the capabilities available to you, or questions about other local issues, please visit your municipality's website or contact them directly.
Short Code Terms & Conditions
TextMyGov uses two short code numbers: 91896 and 80946. The secure numbers are used only by local government agencies using TextMyGov. If texts from 91896 or 80946 show in your inbox, you are signed up to receive text message alerts from your government agency about specific topics. The text alerts you receive are processed through the TextMyGov software, but are composed and sent by your local government agency.
You may opt out of all communication at any time by texting ‘STOP‘ to 91896 or 80946. You will receive a final message to confirm you have been unsubscribed.
The secure numbers 80946 and 91896 serve the same purpose. The 80946 number is intended for larger municipalities, such as counties and states, while the 91896 number is most commonly used for towns and cities. All municipal alerts will be sent from one of these two numbers. Replying ‘STOP’ will unsubscribe the user from all alerts associated with that specific short code.
TextMyGov offers a platform for customer communication (civic organizations, government agencies, or other entities) and their citizens or constituents. By opting into a customer’s campaign, you agree to receive text messages from the customer regarding the topics specified in the form or sign-up message.
When you opt in to a notification service, you will receive a confirmation message. (Message and data rates may apply.)
To view contact information or to receive help, text ‘HELP’ at any time to 91896 or 80946 to receive communication information.
Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. Message frequency varies.
By opting into a campaign, you agree to any charges incurred from your cellphone provider for sending or receiving text messages. Message frequency varies by customer. If you have questions about the services provided by this short code, email support@textmygov.com.
Privacy Policy
TextMyGov does not release contact information to any outside party and only receives contact information after a voluntary opt-in. If you receive a text and did not opt in, your municipality already had permission to contact you, or they obtained a federally approved database of public information. The message 'Reply STOP to opt-out' appears after every message sent through TextMyGov's short code.
TextMyGov provides its customers (civic organizations, government agencies, or other entities) with tools and resources to collect mobile phone numbers of their customers/constituents or other consumers on an opt-in basis using mobile keywords.
When you subscribe to a notification, we receive your phone number, the town, zip code, carrier, and state associated with it, and your subscription preference. We will store this data for the sole purpose of sending you notifications. We may also collect and store the number of subscribers for statistical purposes.
At any time, you may opt out of receiving notifications by sending the SMS message ‘STOP‘ to 91896 or 80946, depending on the number your municipality uses. (Message and data rates may apply.)
This product is not intended for any users under the age of 18.
TextMyGov never shares text messaging consent information with third parties.
Available carriers are: Major carriers: AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, T-Mobile, MetroPCS, U.S. Cellular, Alltel, Boost Mobile, Nextel, and Virgin Mobile. Minor carriers: Alaska Communications Systems (ACS), Appalachian Wireless (EKN), Bluegrass Cellular, Cellular One of East Central IL (ECIT), Cellular One of Northeast Pennsylvania, Cincinnati Bell Wireless, Cricket, Coral Wireless (Mobi PCS), COX, Cross, Element Mobile (Flat Wireless), Epic Touch (Elkhart Telephone), GCI, Golden State, Hawkeye (Chat Mobility), Hawkeye (NW Missouri), Illinois Valley Cellular, Inland Cellular, iWireless (Iowa Wireless), Keystone Wireless (Immix Wireless/PC Man), Mosaic (Consolidated or CTC Telecom), Nex-Tech Wireless, NTelos, Panhandle Communications, Pioneer, Plateau (Texas RSA 3 Ltd), Revol, RINA, Simmetry (TMP Corporation), Thumb Cellular, Union Wireless, United Wireless, Viaero Wireless, and West Central (WCC or 5 Star Wireless). ***Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages***
Frequently Asked Questions
What is compliant text messaging for government agencies?
Compliant text messaging for government agencies means using secure texting systems that automatically capture, archive, and retain official messages as public records in accordance with laws like FOIA, records retention rules, and privacy requirements. It ensures texts are searchable, auditable, protected from deletion or misuse, and legally defensible while maintaining transparency and public trust.
Will signing up for messages cost money?
TextMyGov does not charge residents to receive text messages. Your phone provider's message and data rates apply.
How do I know the text I got isn't scam?
All alerts sent from municipalities through a TextMyGov short code will have the municipality name included in the message. All messages will also end with "Reply STOP to opt-out" in exactly that format. If you aren't sure, please contact your municipality or check their website to verify the message before clicking any links or replying.
What kind of messages will I get?
Text content will vary by municipality. Messages from the short code could include important alerts such as water boil notices, road closures, local emergencies, severe weather warnings, public health hazards, local events, council meeting cancellations, and more.
If your municipality uses a 10-digit texting number, you can text that number to report issues and find information. You may also receive personal messages from your municipality about past due balances, appointment reminders, tax notices, or other messages specific to you.
Who writes the texts I get?
Your local government officials write and send all text messages sent through TextMyGov. TextMyGov does not send text messages to residents without approval from municipal leaders.