Pennsylvania consolidates online presence into one website

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro shared on Thursday that the state has upgraded 64 commonwealth websites into a single website at PA.gov. The announcement wraps up a seven-month effort to transform the state’s web presence.

The effort, which was led by the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience, or CODE PA, kicked off last May after Shapiro unveiled the design for the state’s websites. The seven-month process relied on user feedback from more than 300 Pennsylvania residents.

CODE PA also worked with First Lady Lori Shapiro to host “Lori Listens” focus group sessions to gather input from Pennsylvanians on what digital services they need and where critical improvements can be made, a news release said. CODE PA also worked with subject matter experts and senior agency leadership to construct the improved and easier-to-use website.

The new website includes a services directory tool that allows website visitors to browse through nearly 1,000 Commonwealth services, categorized based on life events such as facing a financial shock, having a child or finding a job — as well as by audience, category or keyword search. Rather than being forced to search for information on dozens of separate websites and search tools, residents can find information about services from every agency in a single place using a single search tool, and the results pages explain each service in a simple and consistent format, with links to additional resources and contact information.

“The Services Directory demonstrates how we are reimagining the way people interact online with the Commonwealth to be simple, seamless, and secure,” Bry Pardoe, executive director of CODE PA, said in a news release. “The new PA.gov gives the Commonwealth a solid digital foundation to build upon, and I look forward to seeing how we continue to improve through research and talking to Pennsylvanians about their experiences using the website.”

The website is the latest manifestation of Shapiro’s “no wrong door” push to modernize the state’s government, which many state tech leaders use to expand digital services. Since launching in April 2023, CODE PA has also launched PA Navigate, a website that connects residents to agencies and community groups for access to resources. It also launched a website for appealing denied health insurance claims.

“My Administration has made it a priority to revamp how we connect with Pennsylvanians online and deliver digital services and I’m pleased to announce we’ve finished overhauling the outdated websites Pennsylvanians were forced to use, and replaced them with a user-friendly, accessible experience that puts Pennsylvanians and their needs first in every part of its design,” Shapiro said in the news release. “We will continue to put Pennsylvanians first and make the Commonwealth’s websites and digital services easier to use for everyone across our Commonwealth.”