This blog makes updating your municipal website easy! A checklist of five items you can run through, print out or stick on the wall to double check that the municipal website is in tip-top shape!
A municipality's website serves as a vital tool for public engagement, transparency, and communication. Municipal clerks, who are already juggling a myriad of responsibilities, need a simple way on how to update municipal website. To assist in this endeavor, we've compiled a handy checklist of five essential elements that municipalities should continuously update on their websites.
- Update the Footer: The footer of a municipal website may seem like a small detail, but it's often the first place visitors look for important contact information and office hours. Municipal clerks should ensure that this section is regularly updated with accurate details, including phone numbers, email addresses, office hours, and links to official social media pages.
- Events Calendar: A dynamic events calendar is a cornerstone of any municipal website. Clerks should regularly update the calendar with official events such as town hall meetings, elections, and community gatherings. Additionally, informal events like seasonal festivals, holiday celebrations, and neighborhood yard sales should also be included.
- News & Notices: Keeping residents informed is essential for building trust and transparency within the community. Municipal clerks should regularly post news updates, announcements, and important notices on the website. This could include legal notices, articles on local resources, or updates on municipal services.
By making how to update municipal website, part of your recurring to-do list it will help maintain the dedicated sections. This means that residents have access to timely and relevant information, enhancing civic engagement and participation.
- Licenses & Permits: Nowadays, offering online services for licenses and permits is becoming essential for reaching the entire community in your municipality. Streamlined administrative processes help residents complete their tasks quicker and with more ease. We encourage Municipal clerks to engage with digital license and permit applications, along with a safe credit card payment facility.
Integrating digital payment portals and electronic signature capabilities can further enhance the efficiency and convenience of these services, reducing the need for manual processing and paperwork.
- Agenda and Minutes: Municipal meetings play a crucial role in governance and decision-making. Clerks should promptly upload agendas and minutes from these meetings to the website, providing residents with access to key information and decisions. By making these documents readily available, municipalities demonstrate their commitment to transparency and accountability, empowering residents to stay informed and engaged in local affairs.
In addition to the core elements listed above, we also encourage clerks to share updated ordinances and municipal codes, as they become available.
In conclusion, maintaining a fresh and updated municipal website is essential for promoting transparency, encouraging engagement, and facilitating access to essential services and information. By following this handy checklist, municipal clerks can ensure that their websites are and remain a valuable resource for the community.