In the CDG’s 2004 Best of the Web contest, an annual competition attracting hundreds of entries each year, the City of New Orleans placed fourth overall in a tie with the City of Chicago. This marks the first time ever that City’s website has made the CDG Best of the Web list. “New Orleans is now recognized as one of the top cities in the nation for applying technology to improve public services,” said Mayor Nagin. “This is a tremendous accomplishment for our city.”
In its ninth year, the Best of the Web grades state, city, county and education Web sites on innovation, Web-based delivery of public services, efficiency, economy, and functionality for improved citizen access.
"The City’s website is a door into city government that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," says Greg Meffert, Chief Technology Officer for the City of New Orleans. "We’re constantly adding new features to the city’s website to expand our customer service to citizens.”
"We have worked hard to bring a higher level of customer service, and our website is a huge part of it. Just two years ago less than 200 visitors used the site every day. Now we average almost 10,000 visitors a day. And in times of emergency like Hurricane Ivan over 50,000 visitors used the site to help stay safe. Its very rewarding to see technology make a real difference like that", said Meffert.
The city’s website offers a range of “e-government” services to improve the way citizens do business with City Hall. Citizens can pay parking tickets online, apply for business licenses and permits, pay sales tax online, report minor crimes to the NOPD, notify city government of potholes and abandoned vehicles, and much more.
Capturing first place in the CDG’s 2004 Best of the Web contest city portal category is Fort Collins, Colo. followed by Phoenix, Ariz., New York City, Chicago and New Orleans -- fourth-place tie, and Dallas.
Quelle: Bayou Buzz, 01.10.2004
