City of Madera rolls out redesigned website aimed at improving access to city services

The City of Madera has quietly rolled out a revamped version of its official website, part of an ongoing push to modernize digital services and help residents better connect with local government.

The redesigned site, which launched in a soft rollout, features a cleaner look, smoother navigation, and full mobile responsiveness, making it simpler to access city services and information from phones, tablets, or desktops.

City leaders say the upgrade tackles long-standing frustrations with the old site and highlights Madera’s commitment to being transparent and accessible in a digital age.

Listening to Residents

Planning for the overhaul began last year. City staff teamed up with Govstack, a civic tech firm that specializes in government websites, to collect input from residents and analyze data from the previous platform. The feedback helped shape the new site’s structure and features.

“We wanted a site that feels like a digital front door to City Hall—welcoming, easy to navigate, and visually appealing,” said Joseph Carrello, the City’s communications specialist who spearheaded the project.

Carrello, who has directed Madera’s photo and video content since 2015, worked to make sure the site’s look reflected the city’s unique character. Much of the photography and video featured throughout was created in-house, putting local people, places, and moments front and center.

Designed to Work for Everyone

• Mobile-friendly design: A seamless experience whether you’re on your phone or desktop
• Streamlined navigation: Menus that get you to what you need faster
• Improved search: Smarter results tailored to how people use the site
• Centralized news and events: Up-to-date information featured prominently, with easy subscription options

Gary Price, Madera’s IT Director and co-lead on the project, said the revamped infrastructure sets the stage for the city’s digital growth.

“This site is faster, more secure, and easier to maintain,” Price said. “It gives us a better platform to grow from and to respond to the needs of the community.”

What’s Next?

The site will remain in a soft launch phase over the next several weeks as staff continue to gather feedback and refine features. Additional updates and functionality are expected ahead of a full public rollout later this year.

The new website is live at www.madera.gov. Residents can use it to explore city departments, submit service requests, pay bills, and stay informed about meetings, news, and community events.