citizen engagement

Congressional Websites Improve – But Many Lack Important Educational And Transparency Features, According To New Report

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional websites are getting better, according to an analysis by the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF). The nonprofit organization graded 618 congressional websites and found the most common grade moved from an F in the 111th Congress to a B in the 112th Congress. CMF has been grading congressional websites since 2001 and issues biannual Congressional Gold Mouse Awards for the best websites on Capitol Hill for each Congress.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) will announce the 112th Congress Gold Mouse Awards for the best websites on Capitol Hill on Monday, October 24, 8:00 AM via email and its website. CMF created the research project and awards in 2001 to provide congressional offices with best practices guidance for enhancing their online communications with constituents. Accompanying the list of award winners will be a report by CMF on the website best practices trends identified during the nearly year-long research process.

Report Documents How Congressional Offices Are Adapting to Manage Demand

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional offices are receiving between 200 to 1,000 percent more constituent communications than they were ten years ago. Despite the increase, a survey of congressional staff indicates that 90 percent believe constituent communications remains a "high priority" for the office. But sizable percentages of staff report that their offices are shifting resources to manage the increased demand.