Many of us have been there: Bogged down on a clunky government website that almost feels it was designed to make visitors disoriented. Fortunately, more and more governments have come to realize the benefits of a user-friendly, streamlined website and revamped their online presence. If you want to keep abreast of the relationship between technology and government, Government Technology is a recommended source for updates and analysis – including an annual competition to identify the cream of the crop state, county and city websites: The Best Government Websites for 2014.

Almost 300 websites were evaluated on “their innovative qualities, usefulness, and efficiency and economy.” Last year’s winners joined former government officials and Center for Digital Government executives on the selection panel. In addition to State Portal, County Portal and City Portal categories, there were awards given in the categories of Government-to-Government, Government-to-Business, and Driving Digital Government. See here for the entire list of categories, finalists and award recipients.

Todd Sander, executive director of the Center for Digital Government, expressed his congratulations to the governments selected with this statement: "Across the board, this year's Best of the Web and Digital Government Achievement Award winners and finalists have demonstrated how effective their portals and applications are. Elements such as upgraded eCommerce capability, mobile first design, intuitive search, improved transparency and integration of social media provide citizens and businesses easier and better access to their government. Congratulations to the awardees for their impressive work to make government more open, responsive and mobile-friendly."

Take a look for yourself and explore the selected websites to see which you like most.