City communications staff on Sept. 16 presented a prototype of a redesigned raleighnc.gov intended to reorganize content around user tasks and modernize the site’s visual presentation.

Robin Diekel, the city’s communications director, said the redesign moves away from department‑centric menus toward an “action‑based” navigation — e.g., “How do I…,” “City services,” “Community,” and “Business” — and includes an eyebrow navigation strip for high‑traffic shortcuts. The prototype is already through user testing and will move into technical development, Diekel said; staff expect a public launch in late spring or early summer after content migration and testing.

Key features highlighted during the council briefing:

- Action‑based navigation to help residents complete tasks (pay bills, report problems, find services) rather than navigating by department.
- A prominent alert system designed to present emergency information and tailored action cards (for example, shelters, power, water, transit impacts) when an event occurs.
- Reusable content blocks and event feature tiles to improve storytelling and surface city news.
- A more visual homepage that can highlight parks, trails, and seasonal city projects.

Councilors emphasized mobile usability and accessibility. Councilor Branch asked staff to confirm phone responsiveness; Diekel said mobile comps were created and would be shared. Several council members asked city staff to coordinate accessible design and testing with the Commission for Persons with Disabilities and to use explicit photo‑release procedures for identifiable images of residents in promotional photos.

Diekel said the project will require a content migration — staff trimmed about one third of existing site content in early audits — and that additional community conversations will continue. The development contract and technical work are expected to proceed in the coming months.

Details: Staff stressed the site will retain translation tools and accessibility helpers (the city currently uses a tool called UserWay). The schedule calls for technical development and user testing through the winter with a target live date in late spring/early summer 2026.