BLACKSBURG (WSLS 10) - The Town of Blacksburg launched a newly redesigned website Friday. The last time the site got a face lift was back in 2006.
See below for full release from the Town:
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Today, the Town of Blacksburg launched their newly redesigned website featuring a bright, easy to navigate structure, improved search function, and new interactive tools for residents, businesses, and visitors. The site was built with a responsive design allowing it to easily be viewed from any type of device. The last site redesign was in 2006.
Designed by Vision Internet, a firm specializing in local government solutions, the new blacksburg.gov site offers a fresh look reflective of the present day community. Hot topics and the most up to date, useful information can be found easily on the landing page through a series of buttons and tabs, and a fully expanded mega menu from the top navigation making it easy to locate key information categorized under quick-find topic areas.
Also new to the site is an emphasis on Town Council activities including upcoming meeting agendas and public hearing opportunities, live and archived meeting videos, and information about projects that are in the works. "Our website is the portal that allows citizens to connect with local government and access services from any location, at any time of the day or night, said Town Manager Marc Verniel. "It's the first impression many visitors have of our community and one of the most powerful tools we have to keep citizens engaged and informed. This redesign incorporates the latest technology and builds on the best practices of communities across the country."
Many key features of the new website can be easily accessed directly from the new dynamic homepage including headline tabs for "Agendas and Minutes," "Public Hearings," and projects that are "In the Works."
Additional features include:
- Beautiful imagery showcasing local sites, attractions, and services.
- A prominent search bar that prompts users to ask their own questions.
- Easy-to-use homepage buttons to access the most frequently requested pages.
- Integrated access to the town's various social media accounts.
- Quick access to the At Your Request system allowing citizens to report problems and have direct access to town staff.
- A searchable, dynamic calendar of meetings and events that can be filtered by department and easily added to personal Google, iPhone and other calendars.
- Archived agendas, meeting minutes, and videos.
- Blacksburg Alert notification subscription options for news, events, special services, and more.
- Online payments for parking tickets, utilities, etc.
- Geographic Information Systems and other mapping
- A detailed staff directory by department.