Fortunately in modern times most states and towns in the United States have wised up and have informative web sites. But unfortunately these web sites can still be difficult to locate – even with a Google search.

Not to worry, there’s a really good web site to help you out with this:

StateLocalGov.net

I really like this site because it’s more than just a one trick pony, so to speak. When you look up information on your state, you are not only given the state’s web site, but town sites, governor sites, attorney general sites, city guides and more. This is definitely one to put in your bookmarks.

Some reasons why it’s important to know your state and/or town’s web site

• Forms – As most people are aware, local government is run by paper, paper and more paper. If you need a permit for anything, you need to fill out a form. If you need a license for anything, you need to fill out a form. That’s just the way it works. You can save yourself a lot of time if you seek out the forms you need yourself and printing them out.
• Construction time tables – Got construction on your local highways and interstates? Who doesn’t? Most state web sites will list all projects, when they will start and more importantly when they will end (as in get finished). Florida, for example, has MyTBI. All road projects are listed, including current and future. This directly impacts many people’s commute to work each day. Those in the know are better off than those who don’t. Your state’s web site most likely has a similar site of its own.
• Vehicle registration renewals – Re-registering a motor vehicle in modern times usually can be done 100% over the internet these days without any need to go to the DMV.
• State job boards – Where do you find state jobs? On the state’s web site, of course. Most state jobs are not listed on any major job web sites so you have to go direct-to-site to find them. HOT TIP: You can try CareerOneStop if you can’t find state job listings on a state-specific web site. All states are there.

How is your town doing?

Does your town have its own web site? If so, is it informative and easy, or difficult to find what you were looking for? What would you change about it, if anything?