From the desk of the County Manager,

When you come to a website, what are you hoping for?

In December 2023, we asked the community to give us feedback on the Durham County Government website. In the end, the criticisms and compliments broke down into a few categories:

• Information being easy to find
• Ease in obtaining the service(s) needed
• Mobile access
• Keeps residents well informed
• Offers live help
• Allows for feedback

Durham County’s website was last updated in 2015. In internet time, that is like a century ago. We took the information from the survey, and over the past year have developed what we think is a huge step forward for DCONC.GOV!

“Our new website is more than just a facelift – it’s a complete transformation in how we serve our residents,” said Greg Marrow, Durham County’s Chief Information Officer. “Since our last major update in 2015, technology and user expectations have evolved significantly. This relaunch ensures Durham County’s online presence remains modern, accessible, and as innovative as the community we support.”

I’m sure you’re now asking – when will we launch?

Currently, the target is for this spring, so, not much longer of a wait!

Each department has representatives who have been trained in how to use our new content management system (CMS), and staff are working diligently behind the scenes in making sure the information on the website is current and relevant to our residents and stakeholders with their eyes on the launch!

This endeavor is the culmination of a multi-year Website Modernization Initiative by our Information Services and Technology Department and our 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.

Durham County collaborated with Northwoods as the website designer for the project. The new site will feature 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 fewer buried subpages and all-around better focus and feel.

One of the new features is an AI-powered Botpress 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 addresses 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.

After the launch, we will also have another chance for community feedback on the site. This will allow us to further enhance the site toward Durham County residents’ needs.

An organization’s website is an essential part of its public image and a powerful tool for connecting with its audience. Durham County aims to connect with our community, and inspire and engage visitors, while sharing what Durham has to offer. The vision for the modernization initiative is to create a website representing Durham's vibrant and dynamic community that will showcase our County's endless opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

We hope you are as excited as we are. Stay tuned for the announcement of a launch date soon!

Until next time,

Claudia Hager | County Manager