Project Title:
Building a Comprehensive Plan Website for the City of Minneapolis
Industry:
Government, City Planning
Technologies and Tools:
Umbraco CMS, WCAG 2.0, ADA Guidelines
Client:
The City of Minneapolis sought to create a more engaging, interactive approach to their comprehensive plan, which sets the direction for the city’s growth and development over the next few decades. Historically, these plans were released as basic documents, limiting community engagement. The city’s leadership wanted a better way to foster communication and collaboration with its residents and decided to develop a first-of-its-kind interactive city plan website.
Challenge:
Minneapolis wanted a platform that not only allowed residents to access the comprehensive plan but also to interact with and provide feedback on specific parts of the plan. The website needed to be accessible, mobile-friendly, and compliant with WCAG 2.0 and ADA guidelines to ensure all residents, regardless of ability, could easily navigate and engage with the content.
Solution:
Emergent Software, in partnership with LN Design Co., collaborated with the City of Minneapolis to develop an interactive website for the city’s 2040 comprehensive plan. Umbraco CMS was chosen as the backbone for the website due to its flexibility and ease of use, allowing for regular updates and content management by the city. The website featured areas where residents could leave comments on different sections of the plan, which would then be reviewed and potentially integrated by the city as part of the planning process.
Accessibility was a top priority in the website’s development. Emergent Software ensured that the site was designed to be easy to use for individuals who rely on screen readers, visual assistance, or keyboard navigation. LN Design Co. created an attractive, user-friendly design while adhering to WCAG 2.0 and ADA guidelines.
Key Features:
- Interactive Feedback System: Residents can leave comments on specific sections of the comprehensive plan, promoting a dialogue between the city and its community.
- Mobile-Friendly & Accessible Design: Built to be navigable and functional on mobile devices, while also meeting strict accessibility standards.
- Umbraco CMS Integration: Allows the city to manage and update the website easily as new information becomes available and feedback is incorporated.
Results:
The City of Minneapolis successfully launched its first interactive comprehensive plan website, providing an accessible, easy-to-navigate platform that encourages resident involvement in the city's future. The feedback functionality promotes transparency and ensures community voices are considered in the city’s decision-making process. Emergent Software’s ongoing partnership with the city will ensure that the website evolves to meet future needs.
Testimonial:
"Emergent built a platform that exceeded expectations, receiving positive feedback from users that the site is both attractive and user-friendly. Their team's level of professionalism and attentiveness sets them apart. They were quick to fix any bugs and provided invaluable creative input."
Paul Mogush
Principal Project Coordinator - City of Minneapolis
Technologies Used
