City unveils beta version of new website

Visitors to beta.coj.net can share feedback on new designs, functions

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The city of Jacksonville will launch the beta test of its new website, beta.coj.net, and invites the public to help test it and offer feedback.
 
"Jacksonville is regarded as a national leader in using digital technology to provide innovative, cost-effective services for our citizens and businesses," Mayor Alvin Brown said in a news release. "Beta.coj.net is an exciting work in progress, representing the best efforts of our Information Technologies Division, in collaboration with each of our city agencies, to offer a fresh, mobile-friendly experience to connect with city government online."
 
"Our city's new and improved website presents a fresh design along with user-friendly features and streamlined navigation," said City Council Vice President Greg Anderson. "I invite visitors to explore the beta site and send comments to our technology division. These improvements are the result of hard work and vision from our dedicated staff. I congratulate them on their progress and look forward to the final roll out."
 
The current city site will remain operational. Visitors to beta.coj.net can use the pages as they normally would on the current site to help test the new site's functionality.
 
Upgrades from the current coj.net include: responsive design to ensure it is easily accessible by computers, tablets and mobile devices, and enhanced search functionality and translation services.Categories on the front page of beta.coj.net are designed to make it easier for visitors to reach frequently visited areas of the site.
 
Users can send in their feedback on the new test site by emailing betafeedback@coj.net. As a test site, some information on beta.coj.net may have inaccuracies or errors. Users seeking the most up-to-date content are encouraged to refer to the existing city website, www.coj.net.
 
In November, the Center for Digital Government released their Digital Cities survey, ranking Jacksonville first in Florida and third nationally for the effective use of technology to enhance city operations.In March 2014, the First Amendment Foundation rated it as the most transparent city website for public records in Florida.