NEWPORT — The city of Newport launched its new website this week – touting more accessible features, a streamlined format and the addition of online fillable forms like police reports.
Newport’s original website needed work. It was difficult to navigate, often displayed outdated information, and resembled another internet era.
“It was the first comment I got from people when they moved here,” said communications director John Fuller. “It was a high priority for me and for the community.”
Under Fuller, the eight-month effort to create a new website involved teams of internal and external testers and a $40,000 contract for website developer Revize.
“Having a streamlined path for information was our first goal,” Fuller said.
The new website features more organized ways for various information residents and visitors may want to know from paying their utility bills to accessing tsunami zone maps and signing up for emergency alerts.
Much of the information and features were available on the original website but were difficult to navigate. Even accessibility features like the ability to change the language of the website were not as prominently displayed before the change. There are some new features, too.
“The ability to introduce online payments and fillable forms is a huge step for us,” Fuller said.
Newport residents can fill out forms online to submit public works requests, records requests and file police reports. MyPDConnect, a feature on the new website allows users to report low-level crimes like graffitti, theft and damaged property. The system allows photos to be attached and those who filed a report to receive instant notifications with updates.
— Shayla Escudero/Lincoln Chronicle
