Choosing the right content management system (CMS) is one of the most important decisions in a municipal website project. The CMS affects what staff can do, how easy maintenance is, what features are available, and your long-term costs. This guide compares the main options for government websites and helps you make an informed decision.
Understanding Your CMS Options
Municipal websites generally use one of these CMS approaches:
Open Source Platforms
WordPress: The most widely used CMS globally, powering over 40% of all websites. Free to use with extensive plugin ecosystem.
Drupal: Popular for government and enterprise sites. More complex than WordPress but highly flexible and secure.
Joomla: Less common for government but still viable. Middle ground between WordPress simplicity and Drupal power.
Government-Specific Platforms
Platforms built specifically for government include:
CivicPlus: Comprehensive municipal website platform Granicus: Government communications and engagement ProudCity: Cloud-based government websites OpenCities: Government-focused CMS
Custom Solutions
Some municipalities build completely custom content management systems tailored to their specific needs.
Proprietary Agency Platforms
Some web agencies offer proprietary CMS platforms used across their client base.
WordPress for Municipal Websites
WordPress deserves detailed consideration given its popularity.
WordPress Advantages
Ease of Use: WordPress's intuitive interface means staff with minimal technical training can manage content. The visual editor is familiar to anyone who's used word processing software.
Extensive Ecosystem: Thousands of plugins extend functionality:
- Forms and contact management
- Calendar and events
- Document management
- SEO optimization
- Accessibility tools
Large Talent Pool: Finding WordPress developers is relatively easy. This matters for long-term maintenance and avoiding vendor lock-in.
Cost Effective: The core software is free. Costs come from hosting, customization, plugins (some premium), and maintenance.
Proven Track Record: WordPress powers everything from small blogs to major government sites. The platform is mature and well-tested.
Regular Updates: Active development means security patches and new features regularly.
WordPress Disadvantages
Security Target: WordPress's popularity makes it a frequent target for hackers. Keeping WordPress and plugins updated is essential. See our guide on website security for municipalities.
Plugin Dependency: Heavy reliance on plugins can create:
- Security vulnerabilities when plugins aren't maintained
- Compatibility issues after updates
- Performance problems with too many plugins
- Vendor lock-in for premium plugins
Customization Complexity: While basic WordPress is simple, complex customizations require experienced developers.
Not Purpose-Built: WordPress wasn't designed for government. Municipal-specific features require plugins or custom development.
WordPress Best Practices for Government
If choosing WordPress:
- Use government-focused themes or custom development
- Minimize plugins, choose reputable ones
- Implement robust security measures
- Ensure accessibility compliance through proper configuration
- Plan for ongoing maintenance
Drupal for Municipal Websites
Drupal is the CMS behind many government websites, including whitehouse.gov.
Drupal Advantages
Security Focus: Drupal has a dedicated security team and strong track record for government sites.
Flexibility: Drupal can handle complex content relationships and workflows.
Enterprise Features: Built-in support for:
- Multi-site management
- Complex permissions
- Workflow and approvals
- Multilingual content
Government Adoption: Significant government community means:
- Government-specific modules
- Shared solutions
- Best practices documentation
Long-term Stability: Drupal's architecture is built for longevity and complex requirements.
Drupal Disadvantages
Steeper Learning Curve: Drupal requires more training for content editors. The interface is less intuitive than WordPress.
Higher Development Costs: Drupal development typically costs more due to:
- More complex architecture
- Smaller developer pool
- Longer development timelines
Resource Intensive: Drupal can require more server resources than WordPress for comparable sites.
Major Version Upgrades: Migrating between major Drupal versions (e.g., Drupal 7 to Drupal 10) is significant undertaking.
When Drupal Makes Sense
Consider Drupal when you need:
- Complex content workflows
- Multiple integrated sites
- Enterprise-level security requirements
- Sophisticated permissions
- Large content teams
Government-Specific Platforms
Purpose-built government platforms offer different trade-offs.
Advantages
Municipal-Focused Features: Built-in functionality for:
- Agenda and minutes management
- Department directories
- Online forms and permits
- Alert and notification systems
- Accessibility compliance
Bundled Services: Typically include:
- Hosting
- Security monitoring
- Updates and maintenance
- Support
- Training
Compliance Built-In: Designed with government compliance requirements in mind, including accessibility.
Reduced Decision Burden: Fewer choices to make about plugins, hosting, security, etc.
Disadvantages
Higher Ongoing Costs: Monthly fees can exceed what you'd pay for open source alternatives over time.
Vendor Lock-In: Switching platforms later is difficult and expensive.
Less Customization: May have limitations on design or functionality customization.
Dependency: You're dependent on the vendor's continued operation and development priorities.
Evaluating Government Platforms
Questions to ask vendors:
- What's the total cost over 5 years?
- How customizable is design and functionality?
- What happens if we want to leave?
- How do you handle accessibility compliance?
- What's included in the base price vs. add-ons?
- Can we see references from similar municipalities?
Custom CMS Solutions
Some municipalities consider building custom content management systems.
When Custom Makes Sense
Rarely, but potentially when:
- Highly unique requirements that no existing platform addresses
- Integration requirements that would be difficult with standard platforms
- Very large organizations with significant development resources
Why Custom Usually Doesn't Make Sense
Cost: Custom development is expensive—often 3-10x the cost of implementing an existing platform.
Time: Building from scratch takes much longer than configuring existing solutions.
Maintenance Burden: You're responsible for all security updates, bug fixes, and improvements.
Limited Resources: Most municipalities can't sustain ongoing custom development.
Reinventing the Wheel: Existing platforms have solved problems you'd have to solve again.
Hybrid Approach
More practical than fully custom: extending an existing platform with custom modules for unique requirements.
Making Your Decision: Key Factors
Consider these factors when choosing your CMS.
Staff Technical Capability
Assess your team honestly:
- Who will manage the website day-to-day?
- What's their technical comfort level?
- How much training can you provide?
- Will you have IT support available?
Lower technical capability → WordPress or government platform Higher capability → Drupal may be viable
Budget Considerations
Look at total cost of ownership over 5+ years:
| Platform Type | Initial Cost | Ongoing Annual Cost | |---------------|--------------|---------------------| | WordPress | $20,000-$100,000 | $5,000-$25,000 | | Drupal | $40,000-$200,000 | $10,000-$40,000 | | Government Platform | $15,000-$50,000 | $15,000-$60,000 | | Custom | $100,000-$500,000+ | $30,000-$100,000+ |
See our detailed guide on municipal website costs.
Functionality Requirements
List what you need:
Basic requirements (any platform):
- Page management
- News and announcements
- Document posting
- Contact forms
- Photo galleries
Municipal-specific (favor government platforms or customized WordPress/Drupal):
- Meeting management
- Department directories
- Online forms and applications
- Alert systems
- Interactive maps
Complex requirements (favor Drupal or government platforms):
- Multi-site management
- Complex workflows
- Advanced permissions
- Custom integrations
Long-term Considerations
Think beyond implementation:
Vendor Stability: Will this platform/agency exist in 10 years?
Upgrade Path: How will you move to future versions?
Portability: Can you take your content if you switch platforms?
Community: Is there active development and support community?
Accessibility
Any CMS can build an accessible website, but some make it easier:
Built-in accessibility: Government platforms often have accessibility features built-in.
Accessible by default: Look for platforms with accessible default themes and components.
Testing tools: Some platforms include accessibility checking tools.
Track record: Ask about accessibility compliance of existing sites.
For more on this topic, see our guide on accessibility mistakes on government websites.
Platform Comparison Summary
| Factor | WordPress | Drupal | Gov Platform | Custom | |--------|-----------|--------|--------------|--------| | Ease of use | High | Medium | High | Varies | | Initial cost | Low-Medium | Medium-High | Medium | High | | Ongoing cost | Low-Medium | Medium-High | High | High | | Customization | High | Very High | Medium | Total | | Security | Moderate* | High | High | Varies | | Government features | Via plugins | Via modules | Built-in | As built | | Vendor lock-in | Low | Low | High | Medium | | Talent availability | High | Medium | Low | Low |
*With proper hardening and maintenance
Implementation Recommendations
Based on municipality type:
Small Villages and Townships
Recommended: WordPress with government-focused theme and essential plugins, or entry-level government platform.
Why: Cost-effective, easy for staff to manage, sufficient features for basic needs.
Small to Medium Cities
Recommended: WordPress with custom development, mid-tier government platform, or Drupal for more complex needs.
Why: Balance of features, cost, and maintainability.
Large Cities
Recommended: Drupal, enterprise government platform, or heavily customized WordPress.
Why: Complex requirements, multiple departments, integration needs.
Chambers of Commerce
Recommended: WordPress with membership and events plugins, or chamber-focused platforms.
Why: Member management features, events, business directory needs.
See our chamber of commerce website design services for more guidance.
Questions to Ask Vendors
When evaluating CMS options with vendors:
- What CMS do you recommend and why?
- What's your experience with this platform for government?
- How will you ensure accessibility compliance?
- What's included in ongoing maintenance?
- How easy is it for our staff to make updates?
- What training do you provide?
- What happens if we want to change vendors later?
- How do you handle security updates?
- Can we see the CMS in action with similar clients?
- What's the total cost of ownership over 5 years?
Our Approach at CivicSitePro
We work with multiple platforms and recommend based on each municipality's specific situation. Our expertise spans WordPress, custom development, and integration with government platforms. The right choice depends on your needs, not our preferences.
Want help evaluating CMS options for your municipality? Book a consultation to discuss your requirements, or request a free audit to understand your current platform's limitations and opportunities.