Is Local Government Behind the 8 Ball When It Comes to Having a Website
Posted under: Local governments perform a wide variety of services — many of the services are provided to the public. Are you taking advantage of all the methods available — including having a website — to communicate effectively with the public, or are you, a local government entity, behind the 8 ball?
As we look at local government, there are usually 3 types of functions that local government has a prime opportunity to communicate and interact with the public — using, believe it or not, a website. It does not have to be some big, elaborate website either.
Let’s take a closer look at how local government can be behind the 8 ball when it comes to performing their functions effectively
1. Local governments provide services.
You know the services I’m speaking of — government roles can include providing the community’s water supply, fire protection, schools, parks, and libraries — and even services to help individuals that have special needs, physically or in times of crisis. Is your entity using a website to spread the word about what you are doing or offering as local government services or about updates that each person needs to be aware of? If not, you are behind the 8 ball.
2. Local governments encourage community improvement.
For example, if a department or agency sponsors community events such as clean-up days that will make neighborhoods more attractive and safer, help the homeless programs or senior programs, those types of local government services should be publicized. Agencies can do this by publishing a community calendar for the current month or future months. Set up sections that are specific to residents or businesses and keep each group appraised of vital information.
3. Local governments protect people from harm.
Local government is key in making sure that their constituents are safe from harm. I mean, think about it. Government agencies are responsible for making and investigating criminal laws, as well as incarcerating those individuals that insist on breaking the laws. A local government can make good use of a website to ensure people know what the laws are and the penalties that can be imposed for breaking those laws.
Let’s take a look at some of the areas where you can use your local government website to educate, inform, and increase awareness for a variety of subjects as seen through the eyes of the City of Dyer, Tennessee.
Beginning with the layout of the Dyer site, readers can get a quick overview of the City of Dyer itself. From there, you have links to critical departments (fire, police, public works, certain boards and more). A constituent can be brought up to speed on the latest news that the City of Dyer wants people to see, as well as gain instant access to upcoming events like board meetings.
So often, people view their local government as this big, unfriendly bureau set apart from them who that doesn’t care about them. That does not — and should not — be the case. By having a website, local governments can interact with the people and keep them up to date on what’s happening. Is your local government doing this? If not, your local government is behind the 8 ball.
Twelve Oaks Group specializes in developing easy to manage online resources for local government and can help you. Contact us today for more information on how you can show your constituents that you really do care. Get your information out in front of them. There are lots of possibilities and the sky’s the limit.
Pam
Pam Lokker is a master writer and proficient virtual assistant, as well as being Co-owner of Borlok Virtual Assistants.
In addition, Pam is Customer Service and Content Manager for the Twelve Oaks Group.
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