The City of Dowagiac’s website received a major facelift in late September at www.cityofdowagiac.com.

A process that began in June, City Manager Kevin Anderson and city IT employees gathered information and shaped the new domain, which added a few features. Tabs on the homepage include a “visit here” section, “live here” section, “invest here” section and the newly added “embrace the arts” section. Adam Springsteen, a city payroll clerk and IT assistant who helped gather much of the information, said the arts section highlights the city’s theater and art galleries on Southwestern Michigan College’s campus.

“It’s easier to work through for visitors and residents,” Springsteen said. “There was a big emphasis put on the arts section.”

Springsteen said that, even though the website has launched, bits and pieces are still to be finalized through the web developer Rose and Rose, out of Indiana. One piece in the works includes an interactive map of the sculptures placed throughout the city with information on each piece.

“We’ll include pictures of the sculptures, and we’re trying to add a map with the layout of where each one is located,” Springsteen said.

Other features on the site include a more technological touch for those looking for a speedier route.

“We’ve put up forms, like building permits and other city forms, that can be printed and brought online,” Springsteen said. “We eventually hope to allow people to fill out the forms online and have the option to email them, so all they would have to do is come in and pay and be out the door.”

Residents can also pay their city utility bills online, according to Springsteen. A community calendar lists events, including information on schools, businesses, city contacts and entertainment, such as shopping, restaurants and golf courses.

“Each section connects with the others somehow,” Springsteen said. “People looking into visiting here can find some overlap into living here and so on.”