Background

The City of Evans, Colorado, spans over 10.5 square miles, boasts a rich heritage and a welcoming community. It is also supported by local leaders who understand the potential of technology to improve the lives of residents. Recognizing the need to modernize its website to better serve the community and attract new businesses, the City of Evans decided to undergo a website redesign.

The challenge

The city did not feel as though their needs were being prioritized by their existing vendor relationship. They needed a partner who was invested in their success, and a solution that was intuitive, comprehensive, and adaptable to their evolving needs as a smaller client. More specifically, they were faced with:

• An existing website that was outdated and needed a modern refresh
• A business partner that was unresponsive and did not prioritize their account
• Accessibility compliance issues with little to no assistance from their existing partner 

A few options were considered before a final decision was made. Govstack was ultimately chosen because of its adaptability to the evolving demands of technology and the rapidly changing needs of residents.

Despite initial hesitations about the newness of some features, the city was impressed by the Govstack team’s helpfulness and responsiveness. They were also reassured by speaking with other Govstack clients of similar size who had positive experiences and had switched from the same previous vendor. Govstack provided a partnership approach, ensuring Evans felt like a priority.

The implementation process

The implementation process was smooth and well-managed, exceeding expectations. City staff found the platform intuitive, minimizing the learning curve, and the Evans team felt supported and well-informed throughout the deployment.

The solution

The redesign has resulted in an overall modernization of the website’s look and feel. In terms of specific functional improvements, those that stand out for both residents and staff include:

• A more user-friendly interface (both front and back end)
• Optimization for both desktop and mobile use
• Better adherence to ADA/WCAG compliance to meet Colorado legislation
• Improved search functionality and easier access to information for visitors

The end results

The community of Evans, Colorado, has reacted positively to the launch of their new website. Residents have expressed appreciation for the site’s improved functionality and userfriendly design, which is now optimized for both desktop and mobile use. The city’s official website emphasizes its goal to be more accessible and helpful for residents, indicating a commitment to enhancing community engagement through digital tools.

Feedback from the community has highlighted the website’s ease of navigation and the overall aesthetic improvements compared to the previous version. The city is encouraging residents to explore the new features and provide feedback, fostering an inclusive atmosphere for community engagement. Overall, the redesign has fostered a sense of pride among Evans residents, as it reflects a modern approach to municipal services and communication.

I don’t think we could have asked for a better experience or outcome.

Chris Bragg,

IT Director, City of Evans

Key takeaways

• Partnership is paramount: Evans valued Govstack’s commitment to their success, a stark contrast to their previous vendor relationship.
• Intuitive design: The Govstack platform proved easy to use, minimizing training time and maximizing efficiency for city staff.
• Continuous Improvement: Govstack’s dedication to evolving the platform with user feedback and technological advancements ensures Evans will have access to the latest tools and features. 
• A Foundation for Rebranding: The new website aligns with Evans’ broader efforts to rebrand the city, attract businesses, and enhance its image.

Looking ahead

Evans, Colorado, is poised to leverage its new Govstackbuilt website to improve community engagement, drive economic development, and showcase its revitalized image. The city’s willingness to embrace new technology and partner with an innovative platform has positioned it for continued success in the digital age.