SOUTH HADLEY - The Town of South Hadley is the Category 2 winner of the 2020 Massachusetts Municipal Association Municipal Website Award.
According to a letter from MMA Executive Director & CEO Geoffrey C. Beckwith, the town’s website scored highest in categories that evaluated navigation and organization of material, convenience of information, functionality, and overall experience. Category 2 includes municipalities with populations of 15,000 to 49,999.
Of the South Hadley website, Beckwith wrote, “The MMA applauds your efforts in making this website an effective tool for your community.”
South Hadley launched a redesigned website July 1 with an intent to enhance community engagement. The new look for the town’s virtual front door offers a more modern and simplified homepage with carefully curated content front and center.
Although the redesign has been completed, staff continually update the website’s information and routinely seek areas to improve organization. Maintaining transparency and giving residents access to relevant information in an easy-to-find manner is a priority.
MMA Website Award judges evaluate municipal websites based on the following criteria: Clear branding as the official municipal government site with local government address and hours prominently listed; intuitive navigation tools and organization of material; robust search function; current and timely information; availability of public records; mobile-friendly or mobile-responsive design; resources for residents such as the ability to apply for licenses and permits, pay bills, order documents, and make suggestions; tools to promote economic development; Information about departments; use of social media and tools for online community engagement; and visual appeal and overall experience.
Award certificates will be presented to award winners at the closing session of the MMA’s 2020
Annual Meeting and Trade Show in Boston on Saturday, January 25.
See the town’s award-winning website at http://southhadleyma.gov/, and its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SouthHadleyMA .