5 Government Website Trends for 2024

There are plenty of technological innovations to look out for in the coming years that could transform the way local governments serve their communities. But given how residents most often start their search for information or services by going online, a modern and easy-to-navigate website is arguably the most essential tool you can provide. Having an excellent municipal website is the foundation for engaging more productively with residents in the digital age, and with each passing year we’ve seen more local governments prioritize the online experience they provide. See below for five government website design trends we expect in 2024 that will help communities across the country be more informed and empowered.

Top Trends in Government Website Design for 2024

1. User-Centric Design

The benefits of user experience (UX) design are well-established, and will continue to be a priority for all industries in the coming year. With the key goal of meeting the needs of a diverse user base, local governments will be particularly focused on intuitive navigation and clear information architecture to ensure residents can easily find what they’re looking for. Better UX design for government websites means more people will enjoy a frictionless experience while seeking access to services and information about what’s happening in their communities.

2. Mobile-First Design

Over half of internet users are accessing websites from their mobile devices these days — which means more residents are likely to visit local government websites while they’re on the go. With this in mind, governments should prioritize mobile-first design that makes it easy for residents to view content wherever they are. Responsive and adaptive design techniques will be crucial to ensure a seamless experience across various devices, including smartphones and tablets.

3. Inclusive Design and Accessibility

Efforts to reach all residents and improve inclusivity are ongoing, and more governments will be placing greater emphasis on web accessibility this year. Meeting current regulatory standards ensures people living with disabilities in your community can easily navigate your online content — a critical goal to meet, considering inaccessibility could lead to some of your residents struggling to obtain services. Compliance with accessibility standards such as WCAG will be essential to ensure all community members, regardless of their abilities, have access to the same information and assistance.

4. Interactive Data Visualization

Government transparency is important to residents, as it directly impacts their trust in local leaders. In accordance with a broader movement towards open data initiatives, we can expect more government websites in 2024 to present complex information through interactive visualizations that enhance residents’ understanding of data and statistics. Infographics, charts, and interactive maps help make information more digestible and engaging for residents looking to better understand what their governments are doing to serve their communities.

5. Security and Trust

Given the potentially sensitive nature of government information, adequate security solutions must be in place for community members to feel protected. With digital services expanding, this also increases the need for local governments to modernize cybersecurity measures in 2024. We can expect to see more websites incorporating visible security features, such as SSL certificates, as well as providing transparent communication about data protection measures to assure residents their information is being handled securely.

Keeping Up with Trends — and Transforming Your Website for the Better

Local governments looking to keep up with website trends in 2024 will need to equip the right tools to provide a better online experience. With a robust, fully customizable CMS designed specially for government websites, government teams can ensure a user-friendly and mobile-first design that meets rigorous security standards. CivicPlus also offers web accessibility solutions that make it easier for government teams to improve inclusivity for their online content. Now is the time to prioritize a website that improves your residents’ everyday lives — for 2024 and beyond.