Why Many Municipalities Are Moving Away from Proprietary Website Platforms

Many local governments originally adopted proprietary municipal website platforms offered by companies such as CivicPlus and Granicus. These systems were designed specifically for government organizations and promised an all-in-one solution for website management.

However, over time, many municipalities have begun reevaluating these platforms.

One of the most common concerns is vendor lock-in. When a website is built on a closed or proprietary content management system, the municipality typically does not control the underlying platform or infrastructure. Migrating away from the system can be complex, expensive, and time-consuming, which can leave organizations dependent on a single vendor.

Many municipalities also report challenges such as:

• Limited customization options
• Feature restrictions tied to subscription tiers
• Ongoing licensing or platform fees
• Additional costs for integrations, modules, or support

If you review municipal website Requests for Proposals (RFPs) across the country, a clear trend begins to emerge. Many cities and towns issuing new RFPs currently have websites hosted on proprietary platforms like CivicPlus or Granicus, but they are increasingly seeking solutions that allow their internal staff to manage content more independently.

These RFPs often highlight goals such as:

• Easier content management for staff
• Greater control over the website platform
• Reduced reliance on a single vendor
• Improved flexibility for future integrations

In many cases, municipalities are looking for platforms that enable their teams to manage updates, documents, and announcements internally without needing ongoing vendor involvement for routine changes.

Because of this shift, some cities are exploring open-source content management systems like WordPress, which provide greater flexibility and allow municipalities to maintain ownership of their website infrastructure.

Open platforms can allow local governments to:

• Maintain full ownership of their website and data
• Avoid long-term vendor lock-in
• Customize features as their needs evolve
• Work with multiple developers or partners if needed

For government organizations focused on transparency, long-term sustainability, and budget control, open platforms are becoming an increasingly attractive option.

Considering a Municipal Website Upgrade?

If your municipality is evaluating options for a new website or exploring alternatives to proprietary platforms like CivicPlus or Granicus, the team at Municipal Core can help.

We specialize in modern municipal websites built on open platforms that give cities full control over their content and infrastructure.

Contact us to learn more about:

• Municipal website redesigns
• Website migrations
• WordPress solutions for local governments
• ADA-accessible website design

Schedule a consultation or request more information to see how Municipal Core can support your community’s digital presence.