New City Website First Look and Launch
Presented by:
Communications Division
March 16, 2026
SUMMARY
In August 2025, the City initiated a comprehensive redesign of our website to modernize digital services, improve accessibility and enhance the overall user experience.
The project is now complete and is scheduled to officially launch on March 17, 2026.
BACKGROUND DISCUSSION
Modernizing the City website was both a strategic priority and a regulatory necessity.
Current Website Launched in 2015
Staff worked with CivicPlus to build the City’s digital presence, enhance access to services, add security features and foster greater civic engagement with a completely new website.
FEDERAL COMPLIANCE
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.1, Level AA is the technical standard for state and local governments’ web content and mobile apps.
The City must achieve compliance by April 24, 2026, and remain compliant.
Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division Requirements
COUNCIL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Growth and Infrastructure
Quality of Life
Governance
At the top of this list is the Governance Year One Objective:
“Select a new website system and begin the transition to be completed by April 2026. This process will include community outreach.”
PROJECT GOALS
Replacement of Existing Website
Technology Upgrade
User Experience
Content Management
Workflow Automation
Information Architecture
Program Compatibility
Constituent Relationship Management
Visual Identity
Accessibility and Compliance
Multilingual Access
Data Security
Content Migration
Public Records Act Request Management
Social Media Management
Digital and hard copy survey in English and Spanish, open for three weeks.
Meetings
A total of four meeting opportunities available for in-person.
Comments were submitted via email and social media through 9/24.
Survey
Comment Period
COMMUNITY OUTREACH HIGHLIGHTS
A NEW WEBSITE,
“A BETTER WAY OF LIVING”
A modern, clean design aligned with the City’s brand
Improved search functionality
Simplified service-based navigation
Mobile-optimized performance
Compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 New Website Ready to Launch March 17, 2026
PROJECT COMPONENTS
New Website
SeeClickFix (Formerly VisaliaWorks)
Solution that empowers residents to report issues, identify repair needs, and ask questions.
Social Media Archiving AKA Archive Social
Social media archiving solution.
NextRequest
All-in-one public records request portal.
AudioEye
Digital accessibility tool, focuses on web accessability compliance
A LIVING PLATFORM
City staff will continue to:
Update content to ensure accuracy and timeliness
Monitor analytics and user behavior
Refine content and navigation based on user feedback
Maintain accessibility compliance
Expand digital services and self-service tools
Website First Look
Let’s take our first look at the new www.visalia.gov