A city's website is often the first point of contact for residents, businesses and visitors. As a result, it is important for Government Websites to not only be functional but also engaging and informative. The design of a city website should reflect the community's values, culture, and history.
Here are some key feature considerations for creating a municipal website that engages and informs:
- Event Calendar: A calendar of events, meetings and public notices can help residents and visitors stay informed about what is happening in the city.
- News and Announcements: A news section where the city can share updates and important information with residents and visitors.
- Forms and Permits: Access to online forms, permits and applications can save residents time and make it easier for them to access the services they need.
- Directory: Easy-to-find contact information for city departments, elected officials and staff, including a directory of email addresses and phone numbers.
- Maps and GIS: Interactive maps and GIS data can provide residents and visitors with valuable information on the city, including city boundaries, parks, and public facilities.
- About the city section: A detailed section that provides information on the city's history, geography, demographics, and economy.
- Services: A comprehensive list of the city's services, including information on how to access them and who to contact.
- Emergency management resources: A section dedicated to emergency management, providing resources and guidance for residents to stay safe during natural disasters or emergencies.
- Online payment system: A secure and user-friendly online payment system for city taxes, water bills, parking tickets, and other fees.
- Accessibility: Ensuring that the website is compliant with accessibility guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), helps ensure that all users, including those with disabilities, can access the information they need. Since 2013, law firm Seyfarth Shaw has tracked the number of lawsuits filed under the ADA each year. Their data shows that more than 11,400 people filed an ADA lawsuit.
Examples Of Municipality Websites
The examples of municipality sites built on Concrete CMS is a comprehensive and user-friendly platform for residents to access important information and services related to their city. The website's examples below have a visually appealing design with a clear and organized layout, showcasing the city's history, geography, demographics, and important events. They provide links to important information such as city news, events, and government services, as well as a directory of city departments and services. These municipality sites serve as a valuable resource for residents and are designed to make it easy for them to access the information and services they need.
East Greenbush
Website: https://www.eastgreenbush.org/
Show: A modern website design with an intuitive layout that provides easy access to the city's news, events, and government services. The homepage features an image slider, upcoming events, and quick links to important information, such as the local business directory and the town board meeting schedule.
Tell: Detailed information about East Greenbush's history, geography, and demographics, as well as a comprehensive directory of town departments and services, such as building and zoning, parks and recreation, and the town court. The website also provides an online payment system for town taxes, water bills, and other fees. Additionally, there is a section dedicated to emergency management, with resources and guidance for residents to stay safe during natural disasters or emergencies.
Leroy Kansas
Website: https://www.leroykansas.com/
Show: A clean and modern design with a homepage that displays an image slider, upcoming events, and links to important information such as community news, city departments, and local business directory.
Tell: A detailed About Us section that provides information on the history of Leroy, Kansas. The website provides links for making utility payments and a calendar that displays important dates and events for the city.
City Of Meriden Kansas
Website: https://meridenks.com/
Show and tell website features:
Show: A vibrant homepage with an interactive map of the city, links to local attractions and events, and a calendar of community activities. The city of Meriden showcases documents to download and view.
Tell: Detailed information on the city's history, geography, and economy, as well as a comprehensive directory of city departments and services.
City of Quenemo
Website: https://www.cityofquenemo.com
Show and tell website features:
Show: A simple and user-friendly design with a homepage that displays links to important information such as city news, a calendar with city council meetings, and local businesses.
Tell: A comprehensive list of city services and departments, including utilities, public works, and community development.
Auburn Kansas
Website: https://www.auburnks.com/
Show and tell website features:
Show: A visually appealing homepage that showcases images of the city and its residents, as well as links to important information such as city news and events, city council meetings, and local businesses.
Tell: A detailed history of Auburn, Kansas, including its geography, demographics, and economy.
Ogori City
Website: https://www.city.ogori.fukuoka.jp/
Show and tell website features:
Show: A homepage that showcases the city's cultural heritage, landmarks, and natural beauty, as well as links to important information such as city news, local events, and city council meetings. The City of Ogori website features resizable fonts and color-coded menus, making it accessible and easy to navigate for all users.
Tell: Information on Ogori City's history, demographics, and economy, as well as a comprehensive directory of city departments and services.
In conclusion, a well-designed municipal website can play an important role in engaging and informing residents, businesses and visitors. By considering the needs of the target audience, providing clear and concise information, and utilizing engaging visuals, a city website can create a positive user experience and help build trust in local government.
Do you know of a local city website that's a valuable resource for residents? We'd love to hear about it! Submit the website URL and a brief description of the site, and we may feature it in our municipality website showcase. Help us build a comprehensive and informative database of city and county websites that can benefit residents across the country. Submit your local website now and help your community thrive!