URGENT UPDATE: The Transportation Authority of Marin has just announced a major website overhaul aimed at enhancing user experience and accessibility. The agency has approved a significant contract worth $185,000 with lowercase productions, a San Francisco-based firm, to modernize its website and provide ongoing support for the next two years.
The decision was confirmed during a board meeting where finance director Melanie Purcell emphasized the goal to align the website with current best practices in design and functionality. “We want to design something that really embraces transparency and sets a new standard,” Purcell stated, highlighting the need for compliance with state and federal accessibility requirements.
The project, which garnered 27 proposals in September, was awarded to lowercase productions, the lowest bidder among four finalists. The overhaul process will commence with gathering feedback from users, staff, and officials to identify areas needing improvement. This evaluation is set to begin immediately, with testing expected to roll out in the summer of 2026. The full launch is scheduled for January 1, 2027.
Purcell noted that the contract breakdown includes $130,950 designated for the website update and launch, while the remaining funds are allocated for maintenance, hosting, and contingencies. The contract also includes an option for a two-year extension for support services, capped at $35,000.
During the meeting, board member Steve Burdo raised concerns about ensuring the site meets digital accessibility standards. Purcell responded affirmatively, assuring that the vendors’ expertise in accessibility was a key factor in the selection process. Another board member, Mary Sackett, stressed the importance of adopting modern technology to prevent the site from becoming outdated soon after launch.
“The tools in this space are really changing, and there are providers eager to collaborate with government,” Sackett explained. Purcell echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for innovative, intuitive designs.
The managing director of lowercase productions, Dan Reider, expressed confidence in the firm’s experience with similar projects for government agencies, including Bay Area Rapid Transit and Caltrans. “We’re building for the future, ensuring it’s expansive and open-ended,” Reider said, reinforcing the commitment to long-term success and user engagement.
This website overhaul is an exciting development for the Transportation Authority of Marin, promising a more accessible and user-friendly interface for the community. Stay tuned for further updates as this project progresses toward its anticipated launch in 2027.
