The City of Owensboro plans to launch a revamped website by the end of the year, aiming to make accessing city information easier and more efficient for residents.
According to Shaelie Velez, the city’s communications and marketing manager, the website update is the first significant overhaul since 2016. She said it will feature a more user-friendly design and mobile compatibility — an essential improvement, as 85% of users now access the site from their phones.
“This is the gateway to our community. It’s vitally important that people can quickly find the information they need,” Velez said.
According to Velez, the updated website will allow users to access key information — such as trash collection schedules, public safety updates, and recreational activities — in just two or three clicks. Each city department, including police, fire, parks, and public works, will have upgraded pages, complete with easy navigation bars. The new site was designed in collaboration with Revize, a company specializing in municipal government websites.
She added that one of the standout features is the addition of “enotify,” a system that will send email and text alerts based on user-selected categories such as trash collection or specific park programs. This feature allows the city to reach residents directly without relying solely on social media.
“We’ll also be able to put important alerts, like major road closures or emergency information, right on the homepage,” Velez said.
The parks department is slightly ahead of schedule with its page and has already begun training staff to manage and update the site. Velez expressed confidence that other staff members would find the system just as user-friendly.
“We’re excited to bring the website up to 2024 standards,” she said. “It’s more than just a digital upgrade— it’s a step forward in how we connect with our community.”
