City of Seattle launches customizable web portal

Need to report a pothole in your neighborhood? Or pay a parking ticket? The City of Seattle has launched a new one-stop website that it hopes will improve customer service and foster public participation.

My.Seattle.gov allows users to create and personalize their own web portal to city services and information. In a statement, Councilman Bruce Harrell, chair of the Energy, Technology and Civil Rights Committee, said the site is a more 'robust online tool' for customers:

"The launch of My.Seattle.Gov is just the beginning in our efforts to completely transform the way Seattle communicates and does business online with its residents," says Harrell.

The site will eventually combine more than 50 separate online registration pages, allowing residents to log in only once to access city services and information ranging from pet licensing to building permits. 

More new websites coming

According to the city's news release, more new sites are coming to "enhance the City's online presence and residence experience," including:

• Ask.Seattle.gov, where residents can directly contact and engage city officials.
• Seattle Speaks, an online forum for open discussion of city issues.

My.Seattle.gov is one of Councilman Harrell's "Ten Tech Initiatives" which he says "will engage our local high-tech industry and spur entrepreneurs and development of business."