Danville to refine website, add department "header" pages and start civic engagement series

City communications and legislative staff told the commission they plan to streamline the city website and create department-specific entry pages for utilities, parks and recreation and downtown development aimed at making frequently used information easier to find.

Staff said CivicPlus has offered the city a free redesign of the main site; the proposed paid department "header" pages (a separate, focused area for key services such as utilities, parks, and visitor information) would require an initial vendor fee. Staff described the department pages as standalone-looking sections that would still be part of the primary website but would allow users to find key documents, service requests and contacts in one place.

Staff also outlined outreach plans: a Civic Engagement and Local Government series beginning the night of the meeting at 6 p.m. at the extension office and running monthly through July, and a "Coffee with Commissioners" program intended to connect residents with commissioners soon after regular commission meetings.

Why it matters: Clear website organization helps residents find time-sensitive utilities, recreation, permitting and downtown business resources. Public-facing civic-engagement events are intended to increase two-way communication between elected officials and residents.

Next steps: Staff will work with CivicPlus on the main redesign (no cost) and return to the commission with details and budget estimates for department header pages. Civic engagement events will begin immediately as scheduled.