Governor Moore Announces Redesign of Maryland’s Official Website, Promises Streamlined Access to State Benefits and Services

According to a press release from the Office of Governor Wes Moore, Maryland’s official state website, Maryland.gov, has undergone a comprehensive rebuilding process. The revamped platform aims to function as a user-friendly “digital front door,” simplifying how residents access essential benefits, government services, and important resources. This initiative represents a significant stride in the current administration’s objective to deliver superior customer service and foster a more efficient state government for all Marylanders.

The redesign was spearheaded by the Maryland Digital Service, an entity established by Governor Wes Moore through an executive action to enhance state websites and web applications. The transformation of Maryland.gov was informed by feedback gathered from both Maryland residents and personnel across numerous state agencies. The primary goal was to facilitate more effective engagement with frequently utilized state resources, including those related to job and career support, food and nutrition benefits, and unemployment insurance.

The new Maryland.gov is built upon a modern and secure content management system that prioritizes accessibility. This effort is part of an ongoing initiative led by the Maryland Digital Service to ensure state websites are more readable, secure, and consistent for users. Beyond the relaunch of the main state portal, the Maryland Digital Service is actively collaborating with state agencies to improve their respective site architectures and content, with plans to modernize dozens of additional websites for launch later this year.

Key improvements to the Maryland.gov website include the establishment of a consistent user experience, addressing common issues of inconsistency and fragmentation across state agency websites that have previously hindered residents and businesses in finding information and completing tasks. The redesigned sites now employ user-centered design principles to provide a more seamless pathway to frequently accessed resources. Furthermore, the platform incorporates built-in accessibility features, recognizing that a significant portion of the Maryland population relies on assistive technology to access state benefits, resources, and opportunities online. The website technology now offers a stronger foundation for accessibility, aiming to ensure all Marylanders can benefit from the state’s offerings. To enhance readability and comprehension, particularly on frequently accessed pages, the Maryland Digital Service is partnering with agencies to implement plain language content, making information easier to understand and questions more clearly answered.

For simplified navigation, Maryland.gov now organizes its resources into five distinct categories: “Benefits,” “Services,” “Business and Work,” “Visit and Explore,” and “Your Government.” The “Benefits” section will highlight key state-provided benefits, categorized by topic and audience, such as families and children, and veterans. The “Services” section is designed to streamline access to government entities that residents interact with daily, from driver’s license renewals to tax filings. Economic growth is also a focus, with the “Business and Work” section providing straightforward access to permits, licenses, job and career support, and resources for prospective business owners and vendors seeking to contract with the state. The “Visit and Explore” section offers information for those considering moving to Maryland or seeking to enjoy the state’s offerings, while “Your Government” provides direct access to government offices, state agencies, and election information.

The launch of the new Maryland.gov website is one of several recent initiatives by the Moore-Miller Administration aimed at enhancing the accessibility, security, reliability, and ease of use of the state’s digital services. These initiatives include the “One Application for Benefits” tool, which allows Marylanders to apply for multiple critical benefits through a single, mobile-friendly application at MarylandBenefits.gov. Since its introduction in July, this system has facilitated over 220,000 applications for vital support. Additionally, over $2.6 million in grants have been awarded to Maryland state agencies to explore the responsible use of artificial intelligence in improving public service delivery, with projects focusing on streamlining complex processes and enhancing agency staff support. The state has also modernized the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) platform, making state laws more accessible and transparent through enhanced search and automated publishing capabilities. Residents, workers, and visitors can find more information on the new Maryland.gov website.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of Governor Wes Moore

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