City Debuts New Website
Published on September 24, 2024
Modern design, enhanced functionality a culmination of community input, support
After more than a year of careful planning and preparation, the City of St. Charles launched its redesigned website Sept. 26, along with a revamped Economic Development portal.
The City’s new website is part of a phased approach to improving the City’s engagement with the St. Charles community, a priority outlined in its 2023-27 Strategic Plan. Highlights of the new site include a cohesive modern design, an improved overall user experience and enhanced functionality. Users will find it easier to complete tasks online, from submitting a vacation watch request to paying a bill.
“We’ve modernized our digital presence to make access to information and online interactions with the public simpler, better and more efficient," said Information Systems Director Larry Gunderson. A focus on usability is evident in several features designed to improve the online experience, including the Service Finder widget, Laserfiche Public Portal, and My Property Info application.
New Features
- Top Tasks – The most frequently used features, from finding open job postings to locating leaf collection information, are more accessible with one click of prominent buttons on the homepage.
- Service Finder - This intuitive tool on the homepage simplifies the search process, helping users quickly connect with what they need in fewer steps.
- Laserfiche Public Portal - This application allows users to search for meeting minutes, ordinances and resolutions dating back to the late 1800s.
- News Alerts - Residents and business owners can stay informed by signing up for alerts for the City News resident newsletter, press releases, business procurement opportunities, public works project updates, and police and fire department recruitment.
- “My Property Info” - This enhanced application update, previously known as “My Neighborhood,” offers comprehensive property information by address, including zoning, landmark ordinances, flood data, assessments, and county records. Additionally, it provides insights into City services, such as trash removal and brush pickup, along with information on political jurisdictions and schools.
- Online Forms - These include a straightforward step-by-step guide informing users of what information is needed upfront to complete a form or application expeditiously. The library of online forms will keep expanding in the future.
“The website’s visually appealing design and restructured organization of its content represent a significant improvement to its usability,” Gunderson added.
Community involvement was crucial to the success of the City’s website redesign. Extensive prelaunch feedback from participants with varying levels of tech proficiency was collected through surveys, Zoom webinars and public meetings over the course of a year. Residents, visitors, businessowners, City Council and staff members tested the website’s features by simulating tasks, such as searching for information, paying bills, and navigating links.
“This project was a community collaboration with many stakeholders,” said City Administrator Heather McGuire. “We appreciate the St. Charles community for their support and input during this project, from the initial design concept to final implementation.”
Please note, it could take up to 48 hours after launch for the transition to the new website domain to be complete. During this time, some users may still arrive at the old website version. The old site will remain active until the transition is complete. The City hopes users enjoy the new website. To offer input on the new online experience, users can fill out the City’s online feedback form found under the About menu on the homepage. Questions or assistance with navigating the new website should be directed to info@stcharlesil.gov or 630.377.4400.