State & Local Government Policy, Business and Technology

Boston's Official Record Is Now Online

Government Technology: In a move reminiscent of their famous tea party, Boston is chucking out its old cork bulletin board into the harbor (metaphorically, at least).

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced on Dec. 2 that all public meeting information would now be posted online at Boston.gov/public-notices. Residents will have easier access to information on public meetings, hearings and notices while saving taxpayer money by not having to print out daily schedules and manually switch out information.

For decades, a physical bulletin board with thumbtacks and pushpins galore was located in City Hall, serving as an official source for city information. Boston partnered with the state attorney general and opted to post information on Boston.gov as the official record. The site is optimized for mobile use, making it easier for families and individuals who increasingly rely on mobile phones as their sole Internet-connected device.

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