City of Encinitas Launches Redesigned Website

If you’ve logged on to the city of Encinitas’ website in the past few days, you’ve seen its major redesign, which went live Dec. 3.

The upgraded website is now at EncinitasCA.gov, though its former web address CityofEncinitas.org will still take users to the same information. 

Encinitas City Council, city staff, and frequent users of the site all gave their two cents on improvements they wanted to see. 

“We used all the information gleaned to create what we believe is an exceptionally clear, complete, easy-to-navigate site,” said Encinitas City Manager Gus Vina in a news release sent out by city staff.

Information Technology (IT) Manager Lynne Tufts directed the overhaul, which has some new features, including the ‘I Want To …’ menu on the homepage. This drop-down tab has options like 'I want to view city pay ranges and benefits’  or ‘I want to find environmental resources’ — click on whichever topic is relevant to you, and you’re directed to more information. 

“We considered what people want and need, then made it easy for them to find it with a quick click or two,” Tufts said. “Our webmaster, Joel Wigginton, spent a lot of time redesigning the home page, making sure that frequently visited website content and online services would be directly and quickly accessible.”

In addition to being more user-friendly, the site also got a new look. You'll now see an ocean-inspired background that celebrates the fact that Encinitas is a coastal city, and the text has also been enlarged.

“Our seniors found the old site difficult to navigate. They became frustrated trying to find facts, help and information on the Senior Center page,” said Senior Commission Chair Shirley Finch. “I asked for a larger font, better navigation and usability and also suggested we make the page more attractive with photos and links. The new design looks great and will make people feel connected to their community. Having the ability to find what they need will enhance seniors’ quality of life.” 

A new content management system also helps staff update department content easily, and the new platform will position the city to respond more quickly to requests for new features.

“We think users also will enjoy the advanced search engine, comprehensive new city calendar, a mobile version (providing streamlined access from smart phones) and access to the City’s multiple social media sites,” Tufts said.

Tufts invites the public to give the website a test run and added that the website is “a work in progress; a continually evolving process to best suit the growing needs of the city organization and the community.”

If you would like to contact Tufts with your comments and feedback on the site redesign, you can do so by emailing her at ltufts@EncinitasCA.gov. 

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