By RYAN SKAITH

The City of St. Joseph has officially launched its redesigned website, stjosephmo.gov, a digital overhaul aimed at streamlining how residents access services and engage with local government.

The updated platform prioritizes user experience with a modern interface that puts frequently used tools, community news, and an improved events calendar front and center.

One of the most significant additions to the site is Ask Joe, an AI-powered chatbot located in the lower-right corner of the screen. Designed to provide instant answers to resident inquiries, Ask Joe is capable of communicating in more than 80 languages. This feature marks a major step forward in making city services more accessible to St. Joseph’s diverse population.

To help bolster local transparency, the city has integrated the ClearGov portal within the finance department’s section. This tool translates complex financial data into a simple, easy-to-digest format, allowing taxpayers to see exactly how the city budget is allocated.

The redesign also simplifies the process for addressing local maintenance issues through an enhanced Report a Concern button. Residents can now report problems such as potholes, code violations, or park maintenance needs directly from their mobile devices or computers. The updated system now includes a tracking feature, providing citizens with real-time status updates on their specific requests.

City officials encourage all residents to visit the new site to explore these features and experience the digital infrastructure firsthand.