Chattanooga Launches Revamped Website and New City Brand to Enhance Community Engagement

Chattanooga Unveils Updated Website and New Brand

Chattanooga is stepping into the future with a shiny, new look that aims to enhance how it connects with its residents and visitors. The city has just launched its revamped website, following the introduction of a fresh city brand that makes its debut less than a month ago. This effort is not just a simple facelift; it’s part of a larger project that took years to develop, with a total investment of $1.02 million.

To better understand the changes, let’s rewind a bit. Chattanooga’s last significant website update was over a decade ago, and city leaders recognized that it was high time for a change. In 2023, the city council awarded the website project to a multinational information technology firm, CI&T. Although the official contract was signed this year, the groundwork has been laid for many years prior.

Focus on User Experience

A key vision driving the redesign was to create a more user-friendly experience. Ellis Smith, the director of intergovernmental and external affairs for Chattanooga, expressed that the priority for the website was making sure it’s accessible for all users. “The website is emblematic of why Mayor Tim Kelly wanted to get into government,” Smith shares, indicating a desire to streamline city services and improve residents’ experiences.

Many residents have faced challenges with the previous site, needing to navigate through multiple layers to find simple services, like paying their sewer bills or requesting a property tax freeze. According to Smith, “To get the most use out of the previous website, a user often needed to know beforehand which department administered a particular program,” which led to increased frustration.

More Than Just a Website

This project isn’t merely about updating a website; it’s about reshaping how people perceive Chattanooga, both online and in everyday life. The new city brand reflects a blend of progress while honoring the city’s past, and it’s all part of a thoughtful strategy to connect better with the community. The goal is to ensure that whether residents are checking city news, reporting an issue, or accessing city services, they do so in a straightforward manner.

Interestingly, Smith pointed out that while local governments generally don’t face competition like businesses do, in a way, there is still a kind of provider-consumer relationship in play. “You’ve got to figure out how to serve the customer, the resident, better than anyone else,” he said. This fresh approach aims to ensure that city staff are equipped to meet the needs of its citizens in the most efficient way possible.

Taking It to the Streets

The improvements will not only be visible on the city’s website; the intention behind this entire revamp is to positively influence how residents interact with the city as they walk through its streets. The redesign will make city information more accessible and user-friendly, which hopefully will lead to a stronger connection between Chattanooga’s government and its residents.

As we look ahead, leaders are optimistic that these changes will energize community engagement and foster a stronger sense of belonging among residents. After all, providing a better way for people to access information is a step toward building a tighter-knit community.

As Chattanooga embraces this transformative journey, it remains to be seen how residents will respond to the improved services and presentation. The excitement around the new website and branding signals a fresh chapter for the city, setting the stage for a more connected and informed community.

As always, the city encourages feedback and hopes that the new site meets the needs of those it serves. The future looks bright for Chattanooga as it moves forward with these ambitious plans!