Municipalities can make greater use of the Internet to create greater transparency and facilitate civic participation in local government.  Municipalities should invest time and resources to utilize technology for three reasons.  First, citizens have come to turn to the Internet as a primary source of information and a mechanism for financial transactions.  Second, the Internet can also supplement existing notification and participation procedures.  Finally, technology can enhance transparency by making public municipal records more easily available.  Although expertise and access to home computers varies, most citizens have access through schools, workplaces, and public libraries.  

There are a variety of standards and best practices that municipalities should adhere to as they strengthen their Internet presence.  Application of accessibility and usability standards will ensure that people with disabilities can use a municipal website.  Standards also facilitate access by people with fewer computer skills and those using different technologies, including older technologies (e.g., slower Internet connections) and newer technologies (e.g., mobile devices).  

Municipal websites in Metro Boston vary widely and some are more useful than others, by virtue of their design, content, or frequency of updates.  A compilation of “best practices” and exemplary websites will provide models for the improvement of local sites.  The Massachusetts Municipal Association may be the best organization to prepare such a product.  

There are tremendous opportunities to move more municipal activities online, where they can be more effective and efficient.  Posting legal notices online is a fundamental first step; others may include on-line permit tracking, budget information, and performance reporting. 

4.a    Municipalities should ensure that their websites meet existing standards for accessibility and usability

4.b    MAPC, the Collins Center at UMass, and the Massachusetts Municipal Association should initiate an effort to create best practices guidelines for municipal websites

4.c    Municipalities should post to the Internet all notices legally required to be posted at city hall or in legal advertisements

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