Here’s how it works: Interested governments opt in to the program and then are able to host their websites at IN.gov, making it possible for them to access extra services and applications.
They can pick from three different templates: informational, marketing or adaptive. Each of the templates can adapt to all device screen sizes and are 508-compliant. The agencies will also receive a free IN.gov subdomain.
After that, the server, database and technical issues are handled by IN.gov while local governments have full control of the site content and have access to a content management system that doesn’t require coding experience.
The opportunity comes from a new contract agreement between Indiana and vendor Tyler Indiana that negotiated an enterprise-wide agreement that included local governments with the state’s purchasing power to reduce the costs.
“This strategic move continues to build trust and aims to significantly improve cybersecurity measures and overall user experience on government platforms,” said Indiana Chief Information Officer Tracy Barnes in a release. “We’re seeking to empower local governments to better manage their digital front doors, and improve access to all levels of local government, be it a small township or for our larger communities. Hoosiers should expect to have secure, easy to use digital methods to get in touch with their government. By removing financial barriers, we are another step closer to providing an improved, consistent digital experience no matter what level of government a citizen is interacting with.”
So far, at least 102 governments have taken advantage of the free plan, which comes with four support requests a month, online and group training, 100 migrated pages, 10 users, payment processing, four web forms and IN.gov access.
The new contract also offers an option for local governments to pay for more services, ranging from $250 to $500 a month for additional support requests, migrated pages, forms and total users. IOT reports that 15 governments have opted into the paid offerings.
To claim an IN.gov domain at no cost, a government agency executive like a clerk, auditor, county commissioner or town council member must submit a form with information about authorized employees or contractors and vendors.
