Privacy Policy

The City of College Station is committed to protecting the privacy of users of its website and to providing transparency regarding the collection and use of information.

1. Information Collected

The City may collect information from website users through the following means:

  • Website Usage Data: The City employs Google Analytics to collect information regarding website usage, including, but not limited to, page visits, downloads, search queries, device type, and approximate geographic location.
  • Search Data: The City utilizes Cludo to collect search data on the website, including queries entered in the main site search and chatbot functionality, to enhance content relevance and user experience.
  • Email Subscriptions: Through the GovStack platform, the City collects email addresses of individuals who voluntarily subscribe to receive news alerts and communications from the City.
  • Parks & Recreation App: The College Station Parks & Rec App collects and processes limited health and fitness data only as necessary to provide core fitness and activity-tracking functionality. If user consent is provided through the in-app request for such consent, this may include workout and activity information such as activity type, duration, distance, time, calories burned, step counts, and activity status obtained from system health platforms, including but not limited to Google Health Connect on Android and Apple Health on iOS. This data is used solely for displaying activity history, generating fitness insights, enabling in-app challenges, and supporting app functionality. Health and fitness data is not used for advertising, marketing, or profiling, is not sold or shared with third parties, and access permissions may be reviewed or revoked at any time through device settings. The app does not collect or process protected health information (PHI) as such term is defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act known as HIPAA (45 CFR Parts 160 and 164).

2. Purpose of Collection

Information collected is used solely for purposes of monitoring, evaluating, and improving the City’s website and online services, enhancing navigation and content accessibility, and providing requested communications to subscribers.

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The City employs cookies and similar tracking technologies via Google Analytics and Cludo. Users may manage or disable cookies through their browser settings. Users may opt out of Google Analytics tracking via Google’s opt-out tool.

4. Payment Processing

The City does not process financial transactions directly through its website. All payment processing is conducted via third-party vendors.

5. Public Participation Forms

Certain portions of the website permit residents to register to speak at City Council meetings. Access to such forms is not conditioned upon acceptance of cookies or tracking consent.

6. Disclosure of Information

The City does not sell or otherwise provide personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. Information collected may be shared with third-party service providers solely for the purpose of providing analytics and related services. Information provided to any governmental body may be subject to disclosure pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552, Texas Government Code) and applicable federal and state legislation.

7. Policy Updates

The City reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be reflected on this page, and the effective date will be revised accordingly.