City.Ketchikan.AK.US has been recognized by Juggle as one of the top city government websites in the state of Alaska. Below you'll find an interview with Curtis Thomas, Information Technology Director for the City of Ketchikan.
- City.Ketchikan.AK.US is a top-notch web portal; what has been your role in its development?
The City’s IT department participated in the design of the site and makes modifications of the HTML code as needed. We have also leverage services like eGov Link to provide on-line forms, citizen comment forms etc. We recently added Internet streaming of the City Council Meeting using the vendor Granicus.
- Can you summarize the history of Ketchikan’s web portal?
The first draft of the web site was developed in 1998. It contained much of the same information as our current site, but the design was lacking and the site did not provide feedback methods for our citizens.
- What are the overarching objectives of Ketchikan’s current e-government initiatives?
Our goal is to create government transparency for our constituents and provide a forum for them to provide input.
- How has citizen feedback influenced the development of Ketchikan’s e-government services?
Most of the feedback is channeled through the City Council members to City management. In turn, City Management directs the IT staff to evaluate suggestions. Information Technology staff also keeps informed on trends and suggests implementing some services to City Management.
- What is the most-used feature or service on the site?
Electronic forms are heavily used. Many of the forms are applications for employment, but others route emails to the appropriate employee to address community issues (ie pot holes, street lights out, abandoned vehicles, etc).
- How do you collaborate with other city departments to ensure citizens are getting the most timely and relevant information possible from Ketchikan’s site?
Departments email Information Technology staff with requests to post relevant information on the web site.
- How have you tried to make it as easy as possible for citizens to find exactly the information they are looking for on your website?
We worked with the Web site developers with easy access as a main goal. This site also includes a search function.
- Where do you see e-government heading in the next 2-3 years? Are there any exciting new features or services currently in the works for Ketchikan’s web portal?
We are implementing a new financial/Utility Billing package that will include a customer portal. One desired function would allow customers to log in and access their electrical bill electronically and monitor utility consumption.