The City of Newcastle’s newly redesigned website is now live, and it was built with one goal in mind: making it easy for you to find what you need when you need it. Whether you’re on a desktop, tablet, or phone, the site looks and works great on any device.
Approved by City Council last fall and developed by a local website designer as a customized solution, the new site is a more cost-effective approach than off-the-shelf platforms, and one that gives city staff the flexibility to respond more efficiently to community needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the city build a new website?
The City’s previous website provider had become increasingly expensive, with limited customer service support. As an off-the-shelf platform used by many agencies, it had design limitations that made it hard for staff to update content quickly, especially during emergencies like the November 2024 bomb cyclone. Building a custom site with a local designer not only gives staff the tools to serve our community better, but also proved to be the most cost-effective approach moving forward.
How is the new website organized?
The site is structured under three clear menus: Government, Community, and Business. The goal is for you to find what you need without hunting through layers of pages. All content is thoughtfully organized by department, service, or resource.
What’s in each menu?
The Government menu brings together all city departments and City Hall information, with fully updated content and new pages that better explain how each department serves you. The Community and Business menus highlight amenities, services, and resources available in Newcastle, with information grouped logically and the user experience front of mind.
How is the content different from the old site?
Content has been updated and expanded based on what the community most often contacts the city about. The goal is to get you the answer in one or two clicks, without getting lost along the way. Relevant details like contact information, upcoming meetings, and related links are built right into each page where you need them.
Is the site accessible to all users?
Yes, accessibility was a priority throughout the design process. Choices in color, font, and layout were made with all users in mind, including those who rely on assistive technologies or have visual impairments. The new site is also built to comply with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires municipalities like Newcastle to meet updated web accessibility standards by April 2028. The new site puts Newcastle on strong footing well ahead of that deadline.
What’s unique about this website?
The site was designed specifically for Newcastle, not built from a generic template. That meant making real choices about what to highlight. The parks and trails are among Newcastle’s most well-loved amenities, so the site now features sortable lists of both, making it easier to browse and plan. You’ll also find more photos of Newcastle’s open spaces, neighborhoods, and landmarks throughout the site, so it reflects the community it serves rather than looking like any other city’s website.
Who built the new site?
The site was designed by Black Cat Studios Design of Renton, Washington as a customized solution. Owner and designer Jennifer Shermer Pack worked closely with city staff to understand what Newcastle residents need and to create a site that fits our community specifically. Fun fact: Jen also took nearly all of the photos featured on the site, beautifully capturing what makes Newcastle special.
Have more questions about the new website? Contact City Communications staff.
