Actionable Guide:
DOJ Digital Accessibility Rule for City Managers
Author: Art Gassan
Art Gassan is a govtech writer and AI practitioner with over 10 years of experience delivering technology solutions for government agencies. His work focuses on responsibly using AI to enhance public services, safety, and operational efficiency. A member of the GovTech AI advisory network, he co-authored the ebook “Navigating AI Regulations for Local Government” to help agencies adopt AI in a compliant and trusted manner.
Key Conclusion
The DOJ's 2024 Digital Accessibility Rule is fully enforceable, and procrastination is no longer an option. More than one in four US adults has some form of disability, and inaccessible government websites create barriers to essential services while exposing your jurisdiction to significant legal and financial risk. However, accessibility improvements deliver measurable returns - better user experience for all residents, reduced call center volume, improved search rankings, and enhanced community trust. Most agencies see ROI within 12-18 months.
Bottom line: City managers who act decisively now will protect their communities, reduce costs, and demonstrate commitment to serving all residents equitably.
Executive Summary
What You Need to Know
Your Compliance Deadline:
Jurisdictions with 50,000+ residents: April 24, 2026 (48 days away)
Smaller jurisdictions & special districts: April 26, 2027 (13 months away)
The Stakes:
Average settlement costs: $75,000+ per lawsuit
DOJ investigations can be "like an IRS audit; it can take years to get through... it's painful, and it's also public"[4]
Non-compliance excludes residents with disabilities from essential services and violates civil rights
The Opportunity:
As Don Torrez emphasized: "Websites are the city hall to your residents." Making them accessible isn't just compliance - it's better government service delivery.
What Success Looks Like