A municipal website isn't just a digital bulletin board. It's the front door to your community. Residents rely on it for critical services, businesses look to it for resources, and visitors seek local insights. If your city or town's website isn't keeping up, you're not just falling behind. You're potentially frustrating the very people you serve. Here are 10 must-have features for a modern municipal website in 2025.

1. Mobile-First Design for Better Municipal Websites
   Over 60% of web traffic comes from mobile devices. Yet, many local government websites built through municipal web development still aren't fully optimized for mobile. A clunky, outdated site frustrates users and drives them away. A mobile-first design ensures accessibility, speed, and seamless navigation across all devices.
2. ADA Compliance: A Core Principle in Municipal Web Development
   More than 70 million Americans live with a disability. Yet, 96.3% of website homepages still fail basic accessibility tests such as WCAG 2.0. Your municipal site, a key element of municipal web development, must meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) in order to serve all residents. Features like screen-reader compatibility, text resizing, and high-contrast modes make a real difference and help every single member of the community stay engaged.
3. Intuitive Navigation for User-Friendly Municipal Websites
   If residents can't find what they need in three clicks or less, they'll call city hall. Or worse—they'll give up. A clean, well-structured menu and an intelligent search bar are essential components of municipal web development to save time and frustration. You can view examples of user-friendly municipal websites in our portfolio.
4. Integrated Online Services Powered by Municipal Web Development
   Residents expect to pay bills, apply for permits, and submit service requests online. It's what they're accustomed to in the commercial marketplace, so if the site doesn't support these functionalities, they're bound to feel frustrated. The good news is that digital self-service tools reduce paperwork, cut down phone calls, and improve efficiency for municipal staff. It's worth the investment to set up these platforms.
5. Real-Time Alerts & Emergency Notifications
   From weather emergencies to road closures, timely updates are critical. A majority of Americans say they rely on their local government for emergency information. An automated alert system—via website banners, SMS, or email—keeps residents informed when it matters most.
6. Engaging Community Calendar
   Local events, public meetings, and recreational programs should be easy to find. A dynamic calendar with filtering options keeps residents connected and engaged. Communities with high civic engagement see higher voter turnout and stronger local economies.
7. Transparent Governance & Open Data
   Public trust depends on transparency. If budgets, meeting minutes, and regulations are difficult to find, it makes it seem as if someone is trying to hide something. Publishing these items prominently can help build confidence and accountability.
8. Multi-Language Support for Inclusive Municipal Websites
   Cities serve diverse populations. More than 67 million U.S. residents speak a language other than English at home. Offering translation options ensures every resident can access critical information.
9. Secure & Cloud-Based Infrastructure
   Cyberattacks on government agencies have increased 150% in the past five years. A modern municipal website must have SSL encryption, secure payment portals, and regular security audits. Cloud hosting improves reliability and scalability, protecting both residents and data.
10. Municipal Citizen Engagement Tools
    A great website isn't just a static place to find information. It's a two-way street, allowing members of the community to voice their opinions and connect with one another. Features like online surveys, digital forums, and social media integration create more opportunities for public input.

Does Your Website Measure Up?

Municipalities can't afford outdated websites. An intuitive, secure, and service-driven digital presence enhances trust, boosts efficiency, and improves resident satisfaction. At JET Advertising, we specialize in municipal web development, creating websites that serve communities better. Contact JET Advertising to create a platform that meets modern demands and keeps your residents engaged.