October 1, 2025 Release Notes

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Released Enhancements

FAQ Module Redesign

The redesigned FAQ module delivers a faster, more accessible experience for residents and content managers, with improved usability, visual enhancements, and a modernized layout that aligns with CivicPlus design standards.

User Experience & Functionality

  • Improved Filtering & Search: Users can now filter FAQs more effectively and search directly within the module.
    Search bar at the top of the FAQs page.

  • Category Color Tagging: Categories can be assigned custom colors, which appear in the FAQ tags for better visual organization. To update, you can use the 'Choose Action’ dropdown from the category list in the backend and select ‘Properties’.
    Settings interface showing options for archives, template, and category color selection.

  • Subcategory Support: Content managers can now add subcategories to FAQ categories using a new “Add Subcategory” button on the category page.
    Add Subcategory button on the FAQs module page.

    • A pop-up window allows easy creation of subcategories, which are then added to the category list.

    • Each FAQ question includes a subcategory dropdown, allowing assignment to a single subcategory.

    • The dropdown is disabled if no subcategories exist.

    • Subcategories are optional, offering flexible organization without requiring changes to existing content.

  • Quick Question Lookup Sidebar: A new sidebar navigation tool allows users to quickly browse and jump to questions across categories.
    Expandable navigation menu on the right side of the FAQ page.

    • Designed to improve discoverability and reduce scrolling.

    • Helps users find relevant answers faster without needing to navigate through the full page.

Accessibility & Design Improvements

  • Keyboard Navigation: Enhanced tab order and focus indicators for smooth navigation without a mouse.

  • Screen Reader Compatibility: Semantic HTML and ARIA roles ensure better interpretation by assistive technologies.

  • Color Contrast & Typography: Updated visual design with accessible contrast ratios and improved font readability.

  • Responsive Design: Fully mobile-optimized layout that adjusts cleanly across devices and screen sizes.

URL Structure Update

  • The FAQ module has moved from /faq.aspx to /m/faq.

    • The "m" stands for "module", reflecting the new modular architecture.

    • This change improves clarity, consistency, and future scalability of URLs across the site.

News Flash Module Redesign

The News Flash experience has been modernized to meet accessibility and security standards while delivering a faster, more engaging interface for residents and content managers.

Key Enhancements

  • Improved Filtering & Search: Users can now filter news stories more effectively and search directly within the module.

  • Featured Stories Slider: Featured stories now display with images in a visually appealing slider at the top of the module.

  • Category Color Tagging: Categories can be assigned custom colors, which appear in the story tags for better visual organization. To update, you can use the 'Choose Action’ dropdown from the category list in the backend and select ‘Properties’.
    Category color management in the News Flash module.

  • Image Focus Control: Content managers can now set the focal point of images when uploading news stories, ensuring optimal display.
    The focal point circle on an image in the back-end of the News Flash module.

  • Default Item Limit per Category: To improve landing page performance, each category will now display three items by default, with options to view more.

Updated URL Structure

  • The News Flash module now lives at /m/newsflash instead of /civicalerts.aspx.

  • The "m" stands for "module"

  • This change improves clarity, consistency, and future scalability of URLs across the site.

Accessibility & Design Improvements

  • Keyboard Navigation: Improved tab order and focus indicators for seamless navigation without a mouse.

  • Screen Reader Compatibility: Enhanced semantic HTML and ARIA roles for better interpretation by assistive technologies.

  • Color Contrast & Typography: Updated visual design with accessible contrast ratios and more readable fonts.

  • Responsive Design: Fully mobile-optimized layout that adjusts cleanly across devices and screen sizes.