Outreach Plan for New City Website Feedback
Citizen Advisory Committee Handout – 8.12.25
Overview
Communication Objectives
Announce the City’s plan to undergo a website redesign
Reach Visalia residents and ensure they are aware we are seeking feedback and will ultimately be launching a new City website in early 2026 Gather actionable feedback that can be folded into the planning of the new City website to improve usability, accessibility, and content clarity.
The goal of this outreach is to inform the community that the planning of a new City website is underway and that we are seeking their feedback through a survey and two community meetings.
Survey
The survey will be hosted on Microsoft Forms and have a soft launch of Tuesday, September 2 This ensures that the survey is open and available to anyone attending or watching the City Council meeting when the Council receives their presentation during Work Session Formal announcement of survey will be posted on the City website and social media on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 Survey will run from Tuesday, September 2 through Tuesday, September 16, 2025 Draft Survey Questions:
1. What best describes you? Please select all that apply:
I am a resident of Visalia
I work in Visalia
I am visiting or plan to visit Visalia
I am re-locating to Visalia
I utilize City services (permits, licensing, etc)
I am a Parks & Recreation program/event participant
I am a Visalia business owner or potential business owner Other (please describe)
2. How often do you visit the City of Visalia website?
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
A few times a year
I have never visited the City of Visalia website
3. Which of the following devices do you use to access websites? (Please check all that apply) Computer laptop
Tablet
Smartphone
Computer desktop
Other (please describe)
4. How do you feel about your ability to navigate the current City of Visalia website? Very difficult
Difficult
Neither easy nor difficult
Easy
Very easy
I have never used the City of Visalia website
5. What do you typically use the City of Visalia website for? (Please check all that apply) Paying my utility bill
Finding contact information
Applying for permits or licenses
Reading City Council meeting agendas or viewing meetings Accessing public records
Checking event calendars or announcements
Reporting issues or concerns
I have never used the City of Visalia website
Other: _______
6. Is it easy to find the information you’re looking for on the City of Visalia website? Yes, always
Sometimes
Rarely
No, it’s difficult
7. Which of these features would you like to see on the new City of Visalia website? Please select all that apply:
Easier search function
Online forms and applications
Mobile-friendly design
Notifications or email updates
Online payment options
Accessibility features (e.g., screen reader support)
Language translation
Community calendar
Emergency alerts
Other (Please describe
8. Which of the following features would you find most helpful on the City of Visalia website homepage? (Select up to 3) Pay a City bill
View City Council meeting agendas or minutes
Apply for a permit or license
Report an issue (graffiti, potholes, etc.)
Look at job openings
Find Parks & Recreation program or event info
Get latest City news
Find City Department contact information
Other (Please describe)
9. Are there any websites (local government or other) you regularly visit that you find especially useful, enjoyable, or well-designed? (Fill In)
10. Do you have any other comments, suggestions, or ideas for the new website? Outreach
The communication channels and messaging will facilitate spreading the message of the survey and community meetings.
Community Meetings
Tuesday, August 12 at 5:30 p.m. Citizens Advisory Committee Will present to the CAC for their August meeting
Tuesday, September 2 from 4 p.m. City Council Meeting Work Session Will present on website update, plan and survey
Thursday, September 4 from 6 – 7 p.m. Public Meeting
Will provide brief presentation followed by “Listening Session” to receive public feedback on what Visalians would like to see on new website Held in the Council Chambers, with light refreshments, reserved with Purchasing Wednesday, September 10 6 – 7 p.m. Public Meeting
Will provide brief presentation followed by “Listening Session” to receive public feedback on what Visalians would like to see on new website Held in the Council Chambers, with light refreshments, reserved with Purchasing Other
City Website (Create page www.visalia.gov/NewWebsite to host survey link and additional information) Press Release
Release to Media and Community Organizations
Information sent to all City of Visalia Committee & Commissions City Live & Play Newsletter
Print Materials (fliers for lobby spaces and offices)
City Intranet news item
Survey link in the City Employee Newsletter (will check dates) Social Media (Main City accounts and Department pages)
P (559) 713-4535 W visalia.govP (559) 713-4535 W visalia.gov220 N. Santa Fe St. • Visalia, CA 93292220 N. Santa Fe St. • Visalia, CA 93292 P (559) 713-4535 W visalia.gov
P (559) 713-4535 W visalia.gov
220 N. Santa Fe St. • Visalia, CA 93292
220 N. Santa Fe St. • Visalia, CA 93292
Administrative Services Department
Communications Division