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The future of local government websites: Leveraging automation, AI, and data insights to improve resident experiences
Local government websites are the digital face of public service delivery, and the pressure to make them more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly is mounting. As artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies rapidly evolve, now is the time for local government leaders to ask: How can these innovations streamline workflows and enhance service delivery? The 2024 Granicus Website Trends Benchmark Report sheds light on the role of AI and automation in transforming government websites. In this post, we’ll explore how embracing these technologies can help local governments meet the needs of their communities more effectively.
The 2024 Website Trends Benchmark Report shows that AI is already on the radar of many local government agencies, with more than half of respondents believing AI will significantly impact government operations. While the technology is still in the early stages, the potential applications of AI in government websites are vast. From automating content generation and copy creation to improving user interaction with chatbots, AI has the potential to dramatically enhance the user experience.
However, as the report notes, AI adoption is still limited, with only 29% of agencies using AI tools today. Local government leaders must begin to think strategically about how AI can be incorporated into their website operations. Whether it’s to streamline content management, enhance service delivery, or improve resident interactions, the future is clearly leaning toward AI-driven solutions. Local governments must stay curious, test AI solutions, and gradually integrate them to enhance digital services.
The report also highlights the significant role of automation in improving website workflows. Despite the availability of advanced content management systems (CMS) that can automate content updates, more than 50% of respondents still rely on point-to-point file sharing methods like email, which introduces inefficiencies and versioning issues.
Leaders should consider adopting automated systems that update website content in real-time, ensuring residents always have access to the most up-to-date information. Automation can also streamline tasks like service requests, permit applications, and payment processing, reducing administrative burdens and making interactions more seamless for users. The report makes it clear: The time to embrace automation is now.
Cross-departmental collaboration is essential for the future of digital government. The 2024 Granicus Website Trends Benchmark Report finds that many agencies still operate in silos, including point-to-point file sharing to update content. This lack of centralized collaboration can slow down workflows and create inconsistencies in the information presented on government websites.
Leaders should prioritize creating shared content management hubs or intranet systems to enable more efficient cross-departmental collaboration. By fostering a culture of collaboration, your teams will be better positioned to create a unified digital presence that serves residents effectively. This will help you provide timely, accurate, and relevant content to your community, all while improving efficiency.
Finally, the report emphasizes the importance of using data and analytics to continuously improve website performance. With more government agencies adopting data-driven approaches, analytics can help identify usability issues, engagement gaps, and opportunities for improvement. By integrating data insights into your website strategy, you can ensure that your website evolves with the needs of your community.
As a local government leader, you must foster a culture of continuous improvement, using real-time data to drive decisions and optimize the resident experience.
The 2024 Granicus Website Trends Benchmark Report paints a vivid picture of the future of local government websites. AI, automation, and cross-departmental collaboration are key to creating more efficient, user-friendly digital experiences. Now is the time for local government leaders to think ahead, embrace innovation, and ensure that their websites remain vital resources for residents. By focusing on automation, AI, and data-driven strategies, local governments can create more accessible, efficient, and impactful websites that meet the needs of their communities for years to come.
Incorporating these technologies isn’t just about keeping up — it’s about leading the way in digital government transformation. Local leaders have the opportunity to position their websites at the forefront of public service innovation, providing residents with the seamless experiences they deserve.
