Recent City of Dubuque Website ImprovementsCity of Dubuque
City Council Meeting
Action Items # 02.
Copyrighted
June 17, 2024
ITEM TITLE: Recent City of Dubuque Website Improvements
SUMMARY: City Manager submitting information on recent improvements made to the
City of Dubuque website. Public Information Department Staff will give a
brief demonstration of the new website redesign and improved
accessibility.
SUGGESTED Receive and File; PresentationSuggested Disposition:
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
MVM Memo City Manager Memo
Staff Memo on Recent City Website Improvements Staff Memo
THE C
DUjIBQTE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Recent City of Dubuque Website Improvements
DATE: June 13, 2024
Dubuque
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2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
Public Information Officer Randy Gehl is submitting information on recent improvements
made to the City of Dubuque website. Public Information Department Staff will now give
a brief demonstration of the new website redesign and improved accessibility.
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Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer
THE CITY 4F
Dubuque
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Masterpiece on the Mississippi'
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7-2012-2013
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2017+2019
TO: Mike Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer
SUBJECT: Recent City of Dubuque Website Improvements
DATE: June 13, 2024
INTRODUCTION
Staff from the City of Dubuque Public Information Office will attend the June 17 City
Council meeting to give a brief overview/demonstration of recent improvements made to
the City of Dubuque website.
DISCUSSION
The City's vendor contract for website hosting includes a site redesign every four to five
years. City of Dubuque Communications Specialist Kristin Hill worked with the vendor
over the past 6 months to coordinate this project.
In late May of 2024, the City launched a redesigned site featuring a cleaner and more
modern design that improves accessibility and readability on all devices. The design
includes adoption of a bolder and easier to read typeface, as well as simplification of the
site's color scheme.
In addition to the aesthetic changes, some of the most commonly requested services
have been moved to a more prominent location on the website's homepage. City staff
reviewed user analytics to select which options to prioritize. The homepage also
provides quick navigation to recent City updates, upcoming meetings and events, and
contact information for City Council members.
The website continues to offer the Notify Me module, available through the `Stay
Connected' button on each page of the website. This tool allows visitors to sign up to
receive email and text notifications about City news and events.
Earlier this spring, the City added a new tool to the website to make information more
accessible to residents and stakeholders. The tool is web accessibility software
provided by Monsido and improves website accessibility for ADA compliance to deliver
a more inclusive, optimized experience for those who visit the website. The software
also scans the site for issues and provides search engine optimization and site
analytics.
REQUESTED ACTION
1
I respectfully request permission for staff to give a brief demonstration of the new
website redesign and improved accessibility.