The deadline that shapes this work
The Department of Justice's Title II web rule requires state and local government web content and mobile apps to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA. In an interim final rule effective April 20, 2026, the compliance dates were extended by one year. Governments with a total population of 50,000 or more must comply by April 26, 2027. Governments with a population under 50,000, and special district governments, must comply by April 26, 2028. Always confirm current dates and how they apply to your government with your attorney.
What a municipal site needs to do
- Meetings and agendas. Posted in accessible formats, with a clear calendar and archive.
- Public documents. Ordinances, resolutions, policies, minutes, and city or county codes that people can search, read with a screen reader, and download.
- Online payments. Utility bills, permits, and fees through a payment page that works with a keyboard and assistive technology. We use a payment provider that handles card data, so your site does not store it.
- Forms and requests. Public records requests, contact forms, and service requests with clear labels and error messages.
- Alerts and notices. Emergency and service notices that do not depend on color or images alone.
- Staff directories and departments. Plain language, real contact details, and a layout that works on a phone.
Documents are the hard part
Most municipal accessibility problems are not on the web pages. They are in the PDFs. Scanned minutes, image only agendas, and forms without fields cannot be read by a screen reader. The rule has limited exceptions, for example for some archived content and older documents that are not currently used to apply for or take part in services, but documents people use today need attention. We help you build a sustainable process: accessible templates for agendas and minutes, a document library with clear naming and dates, and a plan for what to convert first.
Built for small staff
Many small governments have one clerk who also manages the website. We design the content tools so a non technical person can post an agenda or news item correctly, with prompts that help them add headings, descriptions, and accessible files. We also offer ongoing maintenance so the work does not fall on one person.
Where to start
Start with the free scan on your home page to see what is visible. Then read the guidance for your type of government: small towns, municipalities, counties, townships, or special districts. If a redesign is the better route, see our accessible redesign service.
General information, not legal advice. Automated testing cannot establish full ADA compliance or guarantee protection from lawsuits. It finds some kinds of barriers quickly. A person still has to test the rest. Ask a qualified attorney how the law applies to you.
Frequently asked questions
Does my small town have to comply?
The DOJ rule covers state and local governments of every size. Under the April 2026 interim final rule, governments with a population under 50,000 have until April 26, 2028. Ask your attorney how it applies to your government.
Can residents pay utility bills on the site?
Yes. We connect to a payment provider that processes cards, and we test the payment steps with a keyboard and a screen reader. Provider choice and fees are set in your agreement.
Can you handle ordinances and city codes?
Yes. We design document libraries for ordinances, resolutions, policies, and codes, and advise on accessible formats and searchable text.