To modernize state government digital presence, we propose that each state adopt its own domain name, reflecting the state’s identity and enhancing accessibility. This approach surpasses the limitations of .gov domains and services like CDT’s DNS and GET.GOV.
Imagine visiting www.losangeles.california or www.dallas.texas for government-related information, making URLs clear, memorable, and state-specific. This fosters a stronger connection between governments and citizens, offering boundless potential uses and benefits, from improving transparency to boosting local engagement and identity.
More Hypothetical Examples:
- www.sanfrancisco.california
- www.austin.texas
- www.seattle.washington
- www.miami.florida
- www.chicago.illinois
- www.boston.massachusetts
- www.denver.colorado
- www.phoenix.arizona
- www.atlanta.georgia
- www.portland.oregon
- www.dmv.california (Department of Motor Vehicles)
- www.safety.texas (Department of Public Safety)
- www.ecology.washington (Department of Ecology)
- www.children.florida (Department of Children and Families)
- www.employment.illinois (Illinois Department of Employment Security)
- www.transporation.massachusetts (Massachusetts Department of Transportation)
- www.health.colorado (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment)
- www.health.arizona (Arizona Department of Health Services)
- www.community.georgia (Georgia Department of Community Affairs)
- www.environment.oregon (Oregon Department of Environmental Quality)
Local School Districts
- www.losangelesschools.california
- www.newyorkschools.newyork
- www.chicagoschools.illinois
- www.houstonschools.texas
- www.phoenixschools.arizona
- www.seattleschools.washington
- www.miamischools.florida
- www.denverschools.colorado
- www.atlantaschools.georgia
- www.bostonschools.massachusetts
Police
- www.sandiegopolice.california
- www.highwaypatrol.california
- www.losangelespolice.california
- www.newyorkpolice.newyork
- www.houstonpolice.texas
- www.phoenixpolice.arizona
- www.seattlepolice.washington
- www.miamipolice.florida
- www.denverpolice.colorado
- www.atlantapolice.georgia
- www.bostonpolice.massachusetts
These URLs can help citizens easily find and access information and services provided by their local police departments, enhancing community engagement and trust.
These URLs can help foster a stronger connection between governments and citizens by making it easier to access local information and services. There are many more technical reasons why our proposal should be adopted by states, beyond the scope of this article. However, the most important and immediate would-be domain name schematic better suited for voice assistants. Imagine asking Amazon Siri, Alexa, or Google Home for relevant, accurate, and reliable answers to your questions.
Let’s get started!
State governments can apply for state-specific top-level domains (TLDs) like .california through ICANN. Our DoT initiative enhances digital presence, fosters government-citizen connections, and improves transparency.
Here is the process below that involves proposal submission, ICANN evaluation, and implementation by a future Department of Technology (DoT).
Who
State governments would apply for their own domain names through the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
What
States would propose the creation of new top-level domains (TLDs) specific to their state, such as .california, .florida, or .texas.
When
States can begin the process as soon as they have prepared their proposals and justified the need for these new TLDs.
Where
Applications would be submitted to ICANN, which manages domain names globally.
Why
This initiative would enhance the digital presence of state governments, making URLs more accessible and state-specific. It would also foster a stronger connection between governments and citizens, improving transparency and local engagement.
How
- Submitting Proposals: States need to prepare and submit detailed proposals to ICANN, justifying the need and outlining the benefits of the new TLDs.
- ICANN’s Evaluation: ICANN will evaluate the applications based on technical, financial, and administrative criteria.
- Implementation: Once approved, the new domains would be implemented, facilitated by a future Department of Technology (DoT) as envisioned at www.department.technology, ensuring a swift and efficient process.
Case Study of California .gov
Are you frustrated by the confusing, haphazard, and disorganized Internet naming of various government services and organizations in California?
Join us in advocating for a more organized and user-friendly digital presence for California’s government services. Support the establishment of a Department of Technology and help create a future where accessing government information is simple and stress-free.
Below are examples, as of summer 2024, of the confusing Internet naming of various local, county, state, and other government services, organizations, and tribal entities in California. While some domain names are practical and logical, many are not and therefore are confusing.
Government Email Directory
This page originally contained a large embedded spreadsheet of .gov email addresses. The full data set is available as a separate resource.