As an IT director or city administrator, you’re likely facing mounting pressure to ensure your municipal website meets accessibility standards. With the Department of Justice’s April 2026 compliance deadline rapidly approaching, the stakes have never been higher. Recent data shows that website accessibility lawsuits against government entities increased by 37% in 2025, with penalties reaching up to $150,000 for repeat violations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about ADA compliance, WCAG standards, and Section 508 requirements to protect your municipality from legal risk while better serving all residents.
Understanding the Legal Landscape: ADA Title II and the 2026 Deadline
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II has always required state and local governments to provide equal access to programs and services for individuals with disabilities. However, until recently, the specific technical requirements for digital accessibility remained somewhat ambiguous. That changed in April 2024 when the Department of Justice issued a final rule establishing clear standards for government websites and mobile applications.
The compliance deadlines are now set in stone:
- April 24, 2026: State and local governments serving populations of 50,000 or more must comply
- April 26, 2027: Governments serving populations under 50,000 and all special district governments must comply
These deadlines apply to virtually every digital touchpoint your municipality offersβyour primary website, web-based applications, mobile apps, online forms, PDF documents, and even third-party content hosted on government platforms.
WCAG 2.1 Level AA: The Technical Standard You Need to Meet
The DOJ’s rule mandates compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. WCAG is built on four foundational principles, often remembered by the acronym POUR:
1. Perceivable
Information and user interface components must be presented in ways all users can perceive.
2. Operable
Users must be able to operate interface components and navigate your site using various input methods.
3. Understandable
Information and user interface operation must be clear and comprehensible.
4. Robust
Content must work reliably across different browsers and assistive technologies.
Your Roadmap to Compliance
Achieving accessibility compliance requires a structured approach:
- Conduct a comprehensive accessibility audit
- Establish clear policies and responsibilities
- Implement comprehensive staff training
- Manage third-party vendors and tools
- Remediate existing content strategically
- Build accessibility into your workflow
- Monitor and maintain continuously
Ready to Ensure Your Municipal Website is Fully Compliant?
At mycitygov.com, we specialize in building accessible, WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliant websites specifically designed for local government. Our platform includes built-in accessibility features, comprehensive training for your staff, and ongoing support to help you maintain compliance as standards evolve.
Contact mycitygov.com today to schedule your free accessibility consultation and ensure your municipality is ready for the 2026 deadline.
