Government-to-Citizen Interaction: Changing the way we communicate

The government's interaction with citizens is increasingly utilizing technology and the Internet.    Many citizens have already gotten to experience this type of communication  - through receiving anything from traffic updates to information of school closings.  According to an article in 'Government Technology', the CEO of the public sector alert notifications company, GovDelivery, has goals in place to help improve the relay of information to citizens.  Some of these include:  updating email contact lists and trying to reduce redundancy,  using multiple channels to deliver the information (email, texts to mobile devices, social media), and using online communities to help with group coordination.
Another interesting and unique way that some local governments are involving citizens is through video games!  One example of this is a local government in Manor, Texas who is using a video game to encourage citizens' to submit suggestions for improvement of government services.  The people in this town are rewarded with points to use at an 'online store'.  Using games as a way to reach people and get their input on issues locally or nationally could be very effective for the government as it works to improve communities and listen to citizens' ideas and concerns.
The future for the communication between government and citizens is potentially enormous!  With so many people having access to a mobile device at all times, the government can send information in 'real-time' and help make information readily available at any point in time.  The government must effectively use its' investments in technology and IT employees to ensure that its' ideas don't become obsolete by the time they are put into practice.
What do you think about the changing face of communication between citizens and the government?  Have you ever heard of games and incentives being used to encourage citizen participation and do you think this can be effective?

http://media2.govtech.com/images/shutterstock_citizen_engagement_online.jpg

http://www.govtech.com/e-government/How-to-Improve-Government-to-Citizen-Communication.html
http://www.govtech.com/e-government/Column-Using-Video-Games-to-Engage-Citizens.html