Durham, N.C. – Durham County Government is excited to announce it recently launched its redesigned website – DCONC.GOV!

This endeavor is the culmination of a multi-year Website Modernization Initiative led by our Information Services and Technology Department and Public Information Office. Using web design and development best practices, improved content, a focus on accessibility to make the site usable by all, an updated look and feel, and using new underlying technology – all while taking resident and user feedback – this relaunched website is designed to enhance all aspects of the user experience and provide a more comprehensive, functional, and engaging site for all residents and partners.

Our old website served its purpose; however, an update was vital to modernize its features and effectively differentiate the County from other local governments. The goal of the project was to create a website that operates seamlessly and offers cutting-edge online services – all while creating an appealing visual experience. This project allows Durham County Government to showcase our dedication to being at the forefront of technological innovation while continuing to position Durham County as a great place to live, grow, and thrive.

“A website serves as a crucial element of an organization's public persona and is a significant means of Durham County engaging with our residents," said Claudia Hager, Durham County Manager. "We seek to establish a connection with the community, motivate and involve visitors, while highlighting the services and programs we deliver on a daily basis. The goal of the modernization initiative is to develop a website that reflects Durham County's lively and dynamic community, showcasing our limitless prospects for development and satisfaction, while delivering our services with ease of access to all.”

Durham County collaborated with Northwoods as the website designer for the project. The new site features the latest tools, a much-improved functionality on desktop and mobile devices, and useful online services – all while showcasing Durham County. Titan CMS, a modern, extensible, secure, and highly adaptable content management platform, was selected on which to build the new website.  It will allow the site to grow seamlessly with the County's needs.

Here's what to expect from Durham County Government’s new website

• Enhanced user experience
• Improved functionality
• Stronger search feature
• Better security
• ChatBot
• Removal of outdated information

Once on the new website, visitors will notice the simplified navigation of DCONC.GOV. This will make it quicker and easier to access the information users need or to complete specific tasks. Users on cell phones will immediately notice how the mobile version of the site has improved dramatically with less buried subpages and all-around better focus and feel.

One of the new features is an AI-powered chatbot, which will allow users to initiate conversations, ask questions, and receive immediate information and answers in their preferred language – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The chatbot also is a piece of Durham County’s focus on accessibility. The new website makes it easier for everyone to use, including those with disabilities who couldn’t easily navigate or utilize the previous site. Web accessibility has grown significantly in importance and is now part of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. Durham County is proud to offer everyone in our community a user-friendly experience.

“This website redesign reflects our commitment to delivering responsive, modern services that meet the needs of our growing and diverse community,” said Greg Marrow, Chief Information Officer for Durham County. “From mobile-friendly features to enhanced accessibility and a 24/7 AI chatbot, we’re proud to offer a digital experience that matches the innovation and inclusivity Durham County stands for.”

This effort could not have happened without the hard work of Durham County Departments across the organization, who inspected and updated information on their respective pages.

“We sincerely appreciate the attention to detail, creativity and many hours of work performed by web authors in our various departments to bring this new website to fruition,” said Deborah Craig-Ray, Durham County Communications Chief. “As a high performing local government, we always endeavor to provide our community with up-to-date information in a most accessible format.”

Users of DCONC.GOV should be on the lookout for a survey in the near future as we will need to know what you like about the redesign, and its performance capabilities.

For more information on the relaunch, contact the Durham County Public Information Office at 919-560-9920 or publicinformationoffice@dconc.gov.

About Northwoods

Northwoods is a digital solutions company that helps smart organizations create a superior online presence through the development of effective websites, software, and digital marketing services. Using a strategic approach, dedication to learning, problem solving abilities, and an unwavering honesty and integrity, Northwoods strives to become its clients’ most trusted digital partner, helping them to grow and achieve their goals.

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