Wisconsin Rapids launches new city website

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The city has launched a redesigned website it says will improve communication with residents and streamle access to municipal services.
The new site, wirapids.gov, went live July 30, replacing the wirapids.org domain. City staff email addresses also will transition to the new domain.
Mayor Matt Zacher said the updated website fulfills a campaign promise to improve customer service and public communication.
“Providing consistent, clear, accessible information and offering simple ways to contact staff are priorities for me, and the new website is an important tool for supporting those priorities,” Zacher said in a news release.
The Common Council approved funding for the project last September. A cross-departmental staff team worked with vendor CivicPlus over 10 weeks this summer to build the site, incorporating feedback from department heads, elected officials and community members.

Key features include a homepage calendar highlighting public meetings, bridge lighting schedules, tax deadlines and City Hall closures. The site also offers improved communication tools, including a general feedback form, a system for reporting non-emergency public property issues and simplified contact forms for reaching city departments.
The website clarifies permitting processes with detailed pages and direct links for construction-related applications.
City officials acknowledge some technical issues may arise during the initial launch period. Users experiencing difficulties can use a “Contact Us” form in the website footer or email mayor@wirapids.gov.
The previous wirapids.org domain and associated email addresses will redirect to the new site for a limited time after launch.
Residents can find instructional videos about the new website on the city’s Facebook page at facebook.com/WIRapids or the Wisconsin Rapids Community Media YouTube channel.