WAPA.gov gets a modern makeover

As you may have already noticed, wapa.gov has a new and updated appearance. Our dedicated Web Management team successfully modernized and migrated the site, significantly enhancing its functionality and aesthetic appeal. The updated website, launching in mid-October, retains WAPA’s familiar brand elements while providing easily accessible information.

A step toward a Modern Workplace

In line with the Modern Workplace initiative, which aims to migrate web content to the cloud, the site’s makeover goes beyond a visual refresh. The big news is the switch to a new website content management system.

This new CMS allows for greater flexibility and adaptability to meet evolving needs. Its intuitive interface means even quicker web updates from our team, while an array of plug-in extensions adds new dimensions of creativity and functionality to the site.

“The migration involved a thorough process of planning, strategizing and teamwork. This new platform provides us with the technological leverage to propel WAPA into the future,” said Public Affairs’ Webmaster Nathan Alarid.

While the new CMS has led to a few visual changes, all essential content remains easily accessible. Should you need help locating information, the Website Feedback form at the bottom of each page provides your go-to resource. Our web team is on standby to assist you.

The migration and redesign were no small feat. The Web Management team, a collaboration between Public Affairs and Information Technology, dedicated over a year to the project. Their efforts involved extensive planning, regular coordination and tireless execution to overhaul over 800 pages of wapa.gov’s complex infrastructure.

IT Project Manager Denise Elkin commented, “The migration team collaboration with the site and content owners demonstrated WAPA’s core value to ‘Seek. Share. Partner.’ The team will continue to work with content owners to ensure they are well equipped to manage wapa.gov efficiently.”

Learning a new CMS: upcoming training for content owners

High-quality, up-to-date content is critical to an effective website. That’s why WAPA will offer training sessions for content owners. These champions of content across the organization play an indispensable role in maintaining a dynamic and current site by ensuring:

• Clear and easy-to-understand language
• Accuracy and timeliness
• Adherence to branding and style guidelines
• Accessibility, including closed-captioned videos and Section 508-compliant documents

The training resources will include classes, user guides and videos. The exact dates and times will be announced on myWAPA, so stay tuned for further updates.

The road ahead

Performing an expediated migration was a crucial step, but the journey continues. “Our ongoing aim is to optimize the user experience, employing creative design elements, intuitive navigation and robust functionality,” Enterprise Content Manager Amber Rodriguez said. The new fiscal year will see user testing and additional improvements, all driven by invaluable feedback from you, the users of wapa.gov.