What's Happening?
The Homewood Village Board has approved a four-year contract with CivicPlus to redesign the village's website. This decision, made during the board meeting on July 14, aims to update the website to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
and improve overall accessibility. The village has been using Granicus as its website content management system since 2017. Although Granicus was initially cost-effective and met the village's needs, it has become increasingly challenging for staff to update and lacks features that are now standard on modern municipal websites. The new contract with CivicPlus is expected to address these issues by providing a more user-friendly and accessible platform for residents and visitors.
Why It's Important?
The redesign of Homewood's website is significant as it reflects a growing trend among municipalities to prioritize digital accessibility and inclusivity. By ensuring compliance with ADA standards, the village is taking steps to make its online resources more accessible to individuals with disabilities, thereby promoting equal access to information and services. This move could set a precedent for other municipalities to follow, highlighting the importance of digital accessibility in public sector websites. Additionally, the improved website is expected to enhance user experience, making it easier for residents to access important information and services, which could lead to increased civic engagement and satisfaction.
What's Next?
Following the approval of the contract, the next steps will involve the implementation of the redesign by CivicPlus. This process will likely include consultations with stakeholders to ensure that the new website meets the needs of the community. The village will also need to train staff on the new system to ensure a smooth transition and effective management of the website. As the redesign progresses, residents can expect updates on the timeline and features of the new website. The successful implementation of this project could lead to further digital initiatives aimed at enhancing public service delivery in Homewood.
