PRESS RELEASE: Public Works Introduces Redesigned Website 4/26/16

For immediate release: April 26, 2016

Contact: Rachel Gordon, 415-554-6045

SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC WORKS INTRODUCES REDESIGNED WEBSITE

First major overhaul in eight years improves navigation and visual content

San Francisco – In celebration of Public Works Week 2016, we are pleased to announce the launch of our website redesign that offers users a modern aesthetic and more sophisticated navigation tools. Check it out at http://www.sfpublicworks.org.

Residents, business owners, contractors and partner organizations can find what they need in just a few clicks, be alerted to important information and learn about our latest projects and initiatives.

“It has been almost eight years since our last redesign -- more than twice the nationwide average,” said Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru. “The new site’s simplified look, handy search options and upgrade for mobile devices helps the tens of thousands of our monthly website visitors find what they need without the clutter.”

A highlight of the new website is the projects portfolio, which showcases Public Works’ capital projects and allows users to organize the projects by categories, such as district location, project type and cost. Other improvements include a more dynamic home page that features the latest Public Works’ events, news and meetings; improved language and ADA accessibility; and reorganized menus and content, all with an emphasis on high-quality visual content.

To design the new website, Public Works partnered with local graphic communications and branding firm lowercase productions, which also led the department’s rebranding.

"Helping rewrite the story of SF Public Works from an acronym that said very little, to an active voice describing how 'our public works' has been a truly rewarding adventure for us," said David Schellinger, founder and president of lowercase productions."Seeing this story come to life through the new website with a more engaging and user-friendly interface reinforces that our public really 'works' for all of us in San Francisco."

We’re rolling out our new website during Public Works Week 2016. The annual event, which this year runs April 25-29, provides an opportunity for the public to learn more about our diverse organization.

Hundreds of local students will be participating in our open houses at our architecture and engineering offices on Tuesday and at our operations yard on Thursday, where they will participate in hands-on activities and can discuss possible careers in public works with our carpenters, pothole crews, landscapers, architects, engineers and others on staff. Members of the media are welcome to attend through prior arrangement.

About San Francisco Public Works: The 24/7 City agency cleans and resurfaces streets; plants and nurtures City-maintained street trees; designs, constructs and maintains City-owned facilities; inspects streets and sidewalks; builds curb ramps; eradicates graffiti; partners with neighborhoods; trains people for jobs; greens the right of way; and educates our communities.

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