City of San Diego logo Inclusive Public Engagement Guide

Home

About the Guide

Guide Topics

City of San Diego logo
Inclusive Public Engagement Guide

Site Menu

Provide feedback for this page

Provide feedback for this page

Inclusive Engagement Techniques and Approaches

Webpages

What is it?

Webpages are documents that are displayed and accessed online using a web browser. They contain information that can be delivered as text, images, audio or video. The City uses webpages as tools for sharing information so the public can learn about or understand City projects. Webpages may include additional interactive elements such as story maps and surveys.

When to use it

External-facing City projects should have webpages available for the entire duration of the project to allow the public to stay connected and informed.

Use webpages to inform people across a large area, provide context about existing projects and participation opportunities or create calls to action. Use webpages to follow up with the public by posting adopted documents and next steps.

How to do it

Before

  • Write the text of the webpage following the City’s Writing Style Guide (accessible to City staff only). Determine which images and other graphics will be needed on the page, adhering to the Visual Style Guide. Reference the City’s Pattern Library for information on what types of features the Web Services team can incorporate on the page. Lay out all desired text, images, graphics and features in a Word Document. Include common search terms in the text to improve search engine optimization and help the page come up higher in an internet search.
  • Remember that the webpage should include the following:
    • The project’s description, purpose, goals, documents and relevant background information.
    • How to contact City staff for questions or comments.
  • The department’s Public Information Officer should review the webpage for clarity and AP style before publishing. For departments without an assigned Public Information Officer, email the Communications Department if this is needed.
  • Upload the Word document and any images in a OneDrive folder. Share the folder with the Web Services team.
    • The Web Services team will add the project to their queue and provide an estimated completion time for the first draft.

During

  • Update the webpage with any new information or opportunities for engagement.
    • Make the public engagement timeline available.
    • Share any relevant fact sheets and draft documents for review.
    • Share location and dates of available public engagement events and public hearings.
    • Update the page to include a public input tool, if applicable.
    • Embed an email sign-up form to allow the public to stay informed on updates.

After

  • When projects have ended, update the webpages as needed. Updates may include posting next steps and closing email sign-up forms.
  • If a project is approved by City Council, update the page with adopted documents, relevant materials and context about how plans can benefit community members. Old webpages should be archived and stored per Public Records Act standards.

Resource considerations

Cost: Minimal

There is no additional cost to this technique because the Web Services team maintains access to Drupal, the City’s webpage content management software.

Time: Moderate

Time to draft webpages varies depending on the content’s complexity and the level of review. The Web Services team may take up to a few weeks to complete the first draft of the webpage.

Capacity: Moderate

Writing and reviewing new webpages may need several staff members. Updating webpages should be quick and only require one staff member.

Other considerations

  • Have a schedule for webpage updates (accessible to City staff only) to keep information accurate and timely. It is recommended to review and update webpages shortly after any major project updates or at least quarterly.
  • Work with the Web Services team to review webpage analytics (accessible to City staff only) to understand the audience reach.
  • Provide documents in PDF format to allow for easy printing and downloading.

How to make it more inclusive

Disable