Entries sought for municipal website contest

Six communities from across the state were recognized as winners of the MMA’s annual municipal website awards during the 2024 MMA Annual Meeting & Trade Show.

The MMA is accepting nominations for its annual municipal website awards, which will be presented during the MMA’s annual conference in January 2025.

The awards recognize excellence in customer service, functionality, convenience and government transparency delivered by a municipal website.

To enter the contest, chief municipal officials may simply fill out a short online nomination form. The entry deadline is Thursday, Oct. 31.

The awards recognize the best municipal websites in five population categories: under 5,000; 5,001-12,000; 12,001-25,000; 25,001-35,000; and 35,000-plus. One winner is selected from each category.

Judges evaluate municipal websites based on the following criteria:
• Current and timely information
• Intuitive navigation tools and organization of material
• Ease of access to resources for residents, such as the ability to apply for licenses and permits, pay bills, order documents, and make suggestions
• Use of social media and tools for online community engagement (including the use of an events calendar)
• Availability of public records
• Clear branding as the official municipal government site
• Robust search function
• Mobile-responsive design
• Details about municipal departments
• Visual appeal and overall experience

Please note that previous winners are not eligible to re-enter the contest unless their website has undergone a significant redesign.

For more information, contact Daniel Yi at dyi@mma.org.