Transforming a Houston Government Agency’s Website Into a Community Engagement Hub
Problem:
The Old Sixth Ward Redevelopment Authority (OSW) serves Houston’s oldest intact neighborhood and has been driving community improvements since 1997. Despite managing significant capital projects including sidewalk and bikeway improvements, street enhancements, and intersection upgrades, their digital presence wasn’t telling that story.
OSW’s leadership needed to keep their community informed about ongoing efforts, but their existing website created barriers instead of building bridges. Information was hard to find, the site lacked organization, and basic features like community updates and meeting notifications were either missing or difficult to use.
The challenge was deeper than just aesthetics. For a government agency, this isn’t just about user experience—it’s about transparency, accountability, and genuine community engagement. Through the RFP process, we identified what OSW really needed: a complete digital transformation that would serve both their Board’s operational needs and their community’s information needs.
Specific pain points included:
- Content that was difficult for community members to navigate and find
- Manual compliance processes that were time-consuming and error-prone
- Lack of organized document management for transparency requirements
- No integrated system for Board information and community communication
- Missing event calendar functionality for meetings and community updates
- Overall disconnect between the vibrant neighborhood character and their digital presence
Approach:
We approached this project by first understanding the unique intersection of government accountability and community engagement. Our team met extensively with OSW’s Board and community stakeholders to map out how information actually flows between the Authority and the neighborhood.
The solution we developed centered on four core systems that would work together seamlessly:
Document Management System
We built a comprehensive system that automatically handles document posting, archival, and retrieval while maintaining Texas Open Meeting Act compliance. This eliminated the manual processes that were creating delays and potential compliance issues.
Flexible Board Directory
Rather than static contact information, we created a dynamic directory system that showcases Board expertise and makes it easy for community members to connect with the right person for their specific needs.
Texas State Open Meeting Compliance
Every aspect of the site was designed with Texas State Open Meeting requirements built in, not bolted on. This means compliance happens automatically rather than requiring constant manual oversight.
Integrated Event Calendar System
We implemented a calendar that connects meeting notifications, project updates, and community events into one streamlined system that keeps everyone informed without overwhelming them.
Comprehensive Webmaster Services
Rather than building a site and walking away, we established an ongoing partnership as OSW’s dedicated webmaster. This includes reliable cloud hosting, regular content updates based on information provided by the OSW team, technical maintenance, and continuous optimization to ensure peak performance and compliance.
The biggest technical challenge emerged when we realized the existing infrastructure couldn’t support the level of integration OSW needed. Instead of compromising on functionality, we rebuilt the foundation using WordPress with custom compliance modules that automated their most time-consuming administrative tasks.
We also completely rebranded OSW’s visual identity to reflect the historic character and vibrant future of the Old Sixth Ward, including new logo design, business cards, and letterhead that actually represented the neighborhood’s personality.
Success:
OSW now operates with a website that actually serves their community’s needs while making their Board’s job easier. The transformation is evident in several key areas:
Operational Efficiency: Board members spend significantly less time on repetitive administrative tasks thanks to automated compliance features and streamlined document management. The new system handles Texas Open Meeting Act requirements automatically, eliminating the risk of violations and reducing administrative burden.
Community Access: Residents and businesses can now easily find project updates, meeting information, and contact details without navigating bureaucratic complexity. The intuitive organization means people can actually connect with the information and services they need.
Worry-Free Digital Operations: OSW leadership can focus entirely on community development rather than website management. Our ongoing webmaster services ensure reliable cloud hosting, seamless content updates when OSW provides new information, and continuous technical maintenance—all without requiring any technical expertise from their team.
Professional Identity: The complete rebrand ensures that OSW’s visual identity finally matches the character and energy of the neighborhood they serve, from digital presence to printed materials.
Scalable Partnership: As OSW’s needs evolve, our managed service model adapts with them. Whether it’s adding new features, handling increased traffic during major community initiatives, or ensuring compliance with changing regulations, the technical foundation grows seamlessly without burdening their internal resources.
The site has become a reference point for other Houston TIRZs looking to improve their own community engagement and compliance systems. OSW now operates as a model for how government agencies can balance regulatory requirements with genuine community connection—all while maintaining a hands-off approach to technical management.
Why This Matters for Your Organization
Government agencies often face the false choice between regulatory compliance and genuine community engagement. This project demonstrates that the right technical approach can achieve both simultaneously—without burdening your team with technical management.
If your organization struggles with outdated systems, compliance complexity, or disconnection from the communities you serve, our managed service approach eliminates the technical barriers. You provide the content and community focus; we handle everything else—hosting, updates, maintenance, and compliance automation.
The key insight is that technology should make good governance easier, not harder. When you don’t have to worry about technical details, your team can focus entirely on what matters most: serving your community effectively.
