NEW ORLEANS, LA On Monday , the Mayor's Office of Technology officially launched the new City of New Orleans website, which will remain at its current html of
A primary focus of the new site is to provide relevant information about the city's recovery. By clicking on the "Our Recovery in Progress" link, site visitors can get information about rebuilding projects underway. Another link provides information about upcoming roadway projects.
According to the mayor's office, The new site also will provide faster and easier interaction with city government departments. Citizens can learn about special events that have occurred in the city by viewing a rotating photo browser with brief stories about each event.
"The redevelopment of the City's website increases access to vital information, increases the number of services offered to citizens, creates greater transparency, and offers streamlined payment processes for government services," said Mayor C. Ray Nagin. "Additionally, a strong City website will appeal to people interested in knowing about and visiting New Orleans."
Citizens and visitors are encouraged to view the new site and submit the online survey that is designed to offer necessary feed back the City. Information from the survey will be used to determine if the site is meeting the needs of users.
"Citizens, businesses, and visitors will find the new site is easier to navigate," said Anthony Jones, Interim Director of the Mayor's Office of Technology. "For example, rolling the cursor over a link will reveal a summary of the links content. This information helps users to quickly locate the link or service they need. Moreover, the page layout increases visibility of important updates, services, and contact information."
Some of the prominent features of the site, including online payment options, were developed immediately following Hurricane Katrina. Residents can continue use the site to pay parking and traffic tickets, real estate and sales tax bills, apply for building permits, and request city certificates and proclamations, as well as to obtain other services. Residents also can complete an online information or service request form for the City's 311 service and can also access the Department of Sanitation's online recycling survey and view a list of properties slated for demolition..
The following is a list of the site's enhancements:
* Recovery project and roadway project navigation offered on homepage
* Fast access to 28 express services
* Dynamic content rotator offering visual images that tells the story of New Orleans and its recovery
* Public information tabs that provide immediate access to vital services and departments
* Online surveys
* Latest news link to breaking news
* Easier navigation for users
* More reporting tools, such as the new 311 online services
