Sector(s)
The City of Rochester partnered with Promet Source and embarked on a transformative mission to redesign its website, addressing years of technological and organizational challenges. This initiative was more than a website overhaul; it was about creating a platform that embodied Rochester’s vibrant identity while effectively serving its diverse community.
Rochester chose Drupal + Provus®Gov as the foundation for its new website, leveraging its open-source flexibility to create a robust, scalable platform. Drupal, coupled with the most powerful content editing tool for state and local government Provus®Gov, allowed the city to build a future-proof digital presence that could grow with its needs.
Full Case Study: https://www.prometsource.com/work/city-of-rochester
This project brought the City of Rochester’s website into the 21st Century.
- Malik D. Evans Mayor, The City of Rochester
The new website is so easy to use, we've nearly tripled the amount of internal website coordinators and contributors since work on the new site started; our colleagues are excited and energized by it because it's easy to use and navigate.
- Ted Capuano Assistant Communications Director, The City of Rochester
Although a website launch may seem like the end of the project, it’s also the beginning because the Drupal framework allows us to evolve how we need to, and when we need to. I expect generations of Rochesterians will experience this website on this platform.
- Matt Driffill, Digital Content Manager, The City of Rochester
Top challenges
• The City of Rochester's website suffered from outdated technology that created navigation and design limitations.
• The website had a fragmented digital landscape due to departments operating in silos, resulting in incomplete, scattered content and inconsistent messaging.
• Resident feedback indicated widespread dissatisfaction with the site's usability, noting cumbersome navigation and difficulty in locating critical information.
• The website lacked accessibility for users with disabilities.
• The website needed a centralized, user-friendly, and accessible platform.
Back to topTop solutions
• Promet Source implemented Drupal + Provus®Gov as the foundation for the new website, leveraging its open-source flexibility to create a robust, scalable platform.
• The city partnered with Acquia, a cloud-based digital solutions leader, to enhance the site’s infrastructure, ensuring seamless integration, advanced security, and high performance.
• The city adopted a user-centered design approach, using discovery workshops, stakeholder interviews, and usability testing to gain critical insights into residents' needs.
• The new website prioritized accessibility, achieving full compliance with WCAG, including screen reader compatibility, alt-text for images, and enhanced navigation paths.
• The team implemented enhanced navigation and search capabilities using a reorganized information architecture.
• The website has a dynamic design that balances Rochester’s heritage with a forward-looking aesthetic.
• The site features high-quality visuals, interactive components, and a more efficient content management system.
• The site accommodates current needs while allowing for future enhancements through Provus®Gov.
The Result
The redesign delivered measurable improvements across key metrics:
- Digital Accessibility: Full WCAG 2.2 AA compliance (100%) established the site as a leader in digital inclusivity
- Website Performance: Achieved 99.9% uptime, ensuring reliable access for all users
- Search Engine Optimization: Maintained strong 92% SEO score through optimized content and technical implementation
Rochester’s website redesign is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and user-centered design. The city has created a platform that reflects its vibrant identity while effectively serving its community.
As Rochester looks to the future, its website stands as a shining example of how municipalities can harness modern technology to foster engagement, improve accessibility, and embrace growth. This transformation is not just a technical success but a demonstration of how digital platforms can connect and empower communities.
Back to topTo leveraging its open-source flexibility.
Technical Specifications
Drupal version:
