Texas Property Tax Assistance

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

With over 380,000 files, the Property Tax Assistance section occupied more than half of the server space for the Texas Comptroller’s Window on State Government website. This massive collection of content had gone largely unmaintained for years, leading to outdated, duplicated files and a convoluted structure. Tasked with both data reduction and a complete reorganization, I undertook a project to streamline the site’s architecture and improve usability.

After an extensive initial assessment, I eliminated outdated files and restructured the directory, reducing the root level from 1,535 directories to just 10, creating a clean, hierarchical setup. This overhaul included implementing a new navigation system and a prominent segmented search feature to help users access content within the vast directory structure. The end result was a user-friendly, highly accessible site with a clear information hierarchy.

Key Contributions

• Compiled user metrics via Google Analytics and surveys to identify priority content and key audiences.
• Redesigned the homepage architecture, cutting links by half and removing redundant content.
• Developed a new section navigation system for improved usability and added a targeted search feature to facilitate deep navigation.
• Collaborated with the Property Tax content team to re-architect site content, rewrite pages, and apply web-friendly formatting.
• Trained the team on web usability, SEO, and Section 508 compliance to support effective content decisions.
• Established URL guidelines and best practices for new pages, improving SEO and user navigation.
• Inventoried all linked documents for Section 508 compliance and helped develop a comprehensive 404/redirect system for smooth user transitions.

Project Team

• Tami Heaton: Information architecture, project management, HTML/CSS development
• Laurie Mann, Stephanie Mata, Liz Alvarado: Content strategy and development
• Edd Patton: Design