Finding basic information about city services has long frustrated residents, but officials say a newly launched website and email system are designed to fix that.
The City of Ithaca this week unveiled a fully redesigned municipal website alongside a new email newsletter platform, aiming to make it easier for residents, businesses, and community partners to navigate services, complete tasks, and stay informed.
City officials said the overhaul was driven by consistent feedback that the previous website was difficult to navigate and often made it hard to locate key information. The new design focuses on how users actually search for services, with clearer organization, simplified navigation, and improved functionality across devices.
Acting City Manager Dominick Recckio said the changes are intended to strengthen communication and trust between residents and local government.
A major component of the redesign is accessibility. The updated site meets modern ADA standards, with improved color contrast, better structure, enhanced keyboard navigation, and stronger compatibility with screen readers and other assistive technologies.
Alongside the website, the city introduced CivicSend, a digital platform that allows users to subscribe to updates based on specific interests. The system will distribute information on topics including Common Council actions, public safety, infrastructure projects, parks and recreation, sustainability, and employment opportunities.
Officials said the goal is to shift from residents having to search for updates to receiving relevant information directly.
Alan Karasin, the city’s director of information and community engagement, said the combined rollout of the website and CivicSend is meant to create a more direct and user-friendly connection between city government and the public.
The city also built feedback tools directly into the website, allowing users to report issues or request assistance as they adjust to the new system.
Officials said businesses and community partners should benefit from easier access to applications, contact information, and program updates, reducing confusion and saving time.
The city is encouraging residents to explore the new website and sign up for updates through the CivicSend platform as the transition continues.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.