BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — One website is in the progress of getting a makeover, and it’ll be revealed on May 8.

The old City of Bismarck site will shut down from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. so the new version can be switched on and workers can make sure everything is functioning properly.

The new website will have a clean layout and simplified navigation to help people find information about city departments and services, departmental staff, and upcoming events and meetings.

“From a communicator’s perspective, there is probably no better tool to share information about the City of Bismarck than it’s website,” said Kalen Ost, the City of Bismarck communications strategist. “The website is available 24/7/365 with information and is one of those critical tools that create transparency for our citizens.”

The URL will not be changing, but homepage features will have easier pathways for people.

“We hope that the refreshed website accomplishes three primary goals,” Ost continued. “First, this refresh will provide a cleaner look that makes for a more consistent experience across all devices. Second, we have worked with departments to take a hard look at content, how it is arranged, and if there are ways to make that content easier to consume. And finally, we are going to be purposefully meeting with department regularly moving forward to makes sure there is ongoing attention to keep content current.”

The Agenda Center will be getting significant changes — with a new public-facing look, but agendas, minutes, and video links going back three years will be available, and the archive section will be the holding area for older meeting information.

“With websites, the work is never really done. Once the reface is live, we have some page content that needs to be created and updated that will hopefully make the consumer’s experience with the website better,” concluded Ost. “We are also now on a schedule, so our website won’t go for nearly a decade without receiving any significant updates.”

People are encouraged to explore the site to help with its functionality and usability, and you can submit concerns here .

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