Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Federal Way has launched its newly redesigned website, in partnership with CivicPlus, a leading developer of local government websites. The new website presents an attractive new design and improved ease of navigation with the goal to improve citizen engagement.

The website project came about through a successful entry in the 2010 CivicPlus Extreme Web Makeover contest. Federal Way secured a grant of $32,320 in web design services from CivicPlus through the contest. The new design replaces the City’s original website, which was
introduced in 2003.

Features of the new City of Federal Way website include:
• Improved, easier navigation with multiple paths to high-demand pages
• A robust search function
• News alerts to highlight current events, happenings and emergencies
• Date-driven calendar to display important events and meetings
• Email and text message subscription service

“The new website makes it easier for residents to find city information and resources and that’s essential for a healthy civic society,” said Chris Carrel, Communications and Grant Coordinator. “And doing this through the web makeover contest saved considerable resources.”

Federal Way’s old website won the makeover contest in part due to a website cluttered with too many pages, making it difficult to find needed information. The CivicPlus design and content style reduces the clutter and makes information much easier to access. An improved website search engine further enhances the availability of information on the site.

The new website also features powerful new email and text subscription services, for everything from City Council meeting updates and public notices to emergency alerts and road updates. Carrel encouraged Federal Way residents to review the site and sign up for email or text notices. “Our goal is for the website to put the City at citizens’ fingertips,” said Carrel. “Whether it’s filing an online police report, reporting a pothole or finding out how to contact the Mayor or City Council, the website is a tool to engage citizens and make government services easier to use.”

You can visit the City of Federal Way’s new website at www.cityoffederalway.com, to learn
more about the site, sign up for notifications, and to use as a resource for city information and
services.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Chris Carrel
Communications and Grant Coordinator
City of Federal Way
253.835.2411