IfG.CC - The Potsdam eGovernment Competence Center

“Utah.Gov is repeatedly recognized as the leading state e-government solution in the nation,” said Mark VanOrden, Utah Chief Information Officer. “Utah.Gov is known for its award winning design, functionality, and providing access to citizens and businesses through 1,000 state services. Utah.Gov continually responds to citizens needs while simultaneously improving government and agency efficiencies.”

For the record, the top sites came from the state of Alabama; Orange County, Fla.; and the Louisville, Ky., Metro Government. But beyond the annual beauty contest, the survey offers a snapshot of the state of the art for public websites. So what can you learn from some of the best public-sector websites in the nation? Based on what’s offered by the winners and other highly ranked sites, here are some must-have features:

Best of the Web highlights the top 10 state, county and city portals in the nation that show the highest levels of innovation, functionality and efficiency.

The top state honor went to California's government portal, CA.gov. Among the site's numerous new features was mobile.ca.gov, specifically designed for mobile devices.

Aldridge became CIO in 2000. "We were RPG programmers, and we had about 150 users. I promised the staff that they would never get bored and that they would be using state-of-the-art technology," said Aldridge."

Brown University’s annual review of more than 1,500 state and federal Web sites says Delaware is No. 1 when it comes to making information and services easily accessible online.

Judges selected the programs from 25 finalists that showed an impact on an agency's ability to fulfill its missions and satisfy stakeholders, participants and users.

The survey praised Maine’s state Web site, www.Maine.gov, for its overall score and gave exceptionally high marks to Maine for service delivery, citizen participation, security, and usability.

Five local communities were among 90 cities and towns to receive awards from Common Cause for openness in government because they post six vital records on their municipal Web sites.

Receiving the e-Government Award this week were Carver, Easton, Kingston, Lakeville and Plympton.

Common Cause is a nonpartisan citizen's organization whose goal is to ensure open, honest, accountable and effective government at the federal, state, and local levels. Selectmen Chairwoman Valerie Wormell and Town IT Director Christopher McClure attended the ceremony to accept the award on behalf of Westford.

“This is another example of the state of Nebraska using technology to better serve our citizens,” said Governor Dave Heineman. “The lines at the state agencies of tomorrow aren’t in the front office, they are online. We will continue to seek ways to grow eGovernment for the accessibility of Nebraskans.”

"This is another example of the state of Nebraska utilizing technology to better serve our citizens," said Heineman. "The lines at the state agencies of tomorrow aren't in the front office, they are online. We will continue to seek ways to grow e-government for the accessibility of Nebraskans."

The official state Web site for South Carolina (www.SC.gov) was recently awarded the 2008 Palmetto Pillar Award for Greatness in Technology in Government by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. This is the first year that SC.gov has received a Palmetto Pillar Award. The Technology in Government Award recognizes a company or organization for developing innovative technology-based projects and programs that enhance government operations in the Riverbanks Region.

Two award recognitions in the third quarter of 2010 helped RI.gov set an all-time record for www.RI.gov. RI.gov received two prestigious recognitions, the Web Marketing Association’s WebAward for site excellence, and acceptance by Harvard University’s Ash Center into the Bright Ideas program for the State Department of Business Regulation’s Online Liquor Compliancy Service.

“We’re delighted with the recognition RI.gov has received in 2010. Our design approach this year was to get back to basics and truly listen to the needs of our visitors. I’m proud of the results, and these awards are a great validation of our work,” said RI.gov’s Creative Design Director, Danny Chapman.

“We are thrilled to be recognized by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrator’s and win this award for our continued citizen outreach efforts,” said Brian Hyer, Public Information Officer for the Department of Public Safety. “The new media portal helps us communicate much more effectively and proactively, which helps us advance our mission to serve and protect the citizens of Utah.”

The Digital States Survey is the most complete survey of state government use of information technology and examines almost every aspect of how states utilize technology to improve service in each area of government. The state has consistently ranked high in this survey, but has not received an “A” grade since 2008.

The annual awards program recognizes the most innovative, user-friendly state and local government portals. Utah.gov was also awarded the honor in 2003, making Utah the only state to win the award twice.