US Federal Web Managers Council recommend egovernment strategies for new US Administration

The US Federal Web Managers Council have developed a white paper recommending strategies for revolutionising the US Government's provision of online services for citizens.

The paper, Putting Citizens First: Transforming Online Government, contains some very practical ideas that are also worth considering under Australian conditions, including,

• Establish Web Communications as a core government business function
  
• Help the public complete common government tasks efficiently
  
• Clean up the clutter so people can find what they need online
  
• Engage the public in a dialogue to improve our customer service
  
• Ensure the public gets the same answer whether they use the web, phone, email, print, or visit in-person
  
• Ensure underserved populations can access critical information online
  

To quote the conclusion of the paper,

By harnessing the collaborative nature of the web, the new Administration has the potential to engage the public like never before. The web can foster better communication and allow people to participate in improving the operations of their government. By listening to our customers we can provide better services, focus on their most pressing needs, and spend their tax dollars efficiently. We’re confident that President-elect Obama will appoint leaders who will invest in the web as a strategic asset and make these goals a reality. The millions of Americans who interact with their government online expect and deserve no less.