Washington, D.C.’s government on June 11 launched a beta version of a redesigned DC.gov, marking the District’s first comprehensive refresh of the government portal in more than a decade.
The redesigned site is intended to give nearly 700,000 residents – along with District employees, businesses, and visitors – a single, service-first entry point for government information, according to the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO).
In a press release, the District said that the beta portal consolidates agency content, supports real-time content updates, and increases visibility for D.C. leadership and high-impact programs.
“The beta launch of DC.gov is more than a website update – it’s a signal of where we’re headed,” said Stephen N. Miller, chief technology officer for the District of Columbia. “This moment reflects our commitment to building digital infrastructure that is inclusive, accessible, and ready for the DC of tomorrow.”
The launch coincides with Internet Safety Month, and OCTO said security was a core priority in the redesign. The new portal is built on Drupal 11, an open-source content management system that the District said offers stronger built-in security protections, including two-factor authentication, controls to prevent multiple logins from different locations, and expanded support for modern security headers.
The redesigned DC.gov also includes:
- An integrated events calendar with neighborhood-level discovery;
- Curated sections for seasonal government services;
- Automatic full-site translation through Google Translate; and
- A design built to continue meeting Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
On the beta homepage, the District highlights service status information for 311, Department of Motor Vehicles service centers, trash and recycling, parking, Metro service, and road closures. It also features frequently requested services, such as birth certificates, building permits, business licenses, residential parking permits, and school registration.
OCTO said it will begin a structured resident engagement initiative on June 19. The effort will use an online survey and in-person public events across the District to collect feedback on usability, trust, and resident satisfaction over the summer.
Findings from the engagement process will guide future design updates, according to OCTO.
AI-powered search built on Google’s AI in Search technology will be added shortly after the official launch, according to the District. OCTO said resident engagement will help improve search responsiveness over time.
“From responsible AI governance to modernized services that nearly 700,000 residents depend on, we’re not just celebrating what this administration has built – we’re building toward what comes next,” Miller said.
The District did not specify a date for the full release. Residents can explore the beta site and submit feedback through the public feedback form.
