Public Outreach Task Force Agenda and Packet 2014 07 28

Home Browse Search

• Directors were evenly split as to whether or not their communications needs would stay the same or increase /change. The factors cited most frequently related to possible increases or changes were: Impact of Social Media; Less use of print media and more reliance on electronic means of communication; - The need to target a broader range of the population, including specific target audiences; Increased need for two- way /interactive communication with the public; Increased priority because of City Manager's focus on effective communication. What Has Worked Well About Communications Structure • Public Information Team (PIT) — collegial, supportive, available to provide information and assistance. • Training that was provided by Communications Division. • Directors and staff who have dedicated PIOs identified that as working very well. • The recent concern of having back -up for the Public Safety PIO is being addressed. One of the PIOs currently supporting Planning and Public Works will be trained to provide backup for this critical position. • Centralized distribution and posting of Council materials. What Has Not Worked Well About Communications Structure • At times process has been slow, cumbersome, and overly intrusive. - Examples were given of news releases being edited to the point of changing the meaning and /or rendering the information inaccurate. - At times concern about being politically correct results in unclear message. - We often haven't been able to move quickly and get out in front of the story. - One size fits all approach. • City communication has lacked an over - arching strategy and coordination. City needs a more comprehensive view of communications. It seems very fragmented at times. There is no overall branding, marketing or outreach by the city. • Some departments have dedicated staff resources and/or financial resources to do things like using consultants, contracting work out, and creating programs for Channel 8, while other departments do not. • City is slow to embrace new communication technologies (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) • Public Information Team (PIT) is not as focused and helpful as it could be. Needs of group are too diverse, some representatives feel they don't need to be there. • People have been asked to do communications - related jobs but do not have appropriate training. • Expectations for Communications function may not be realistic (champagne tastes but a beer budget). Roles and expectations need to be clarified. • Media relations have suffered. • Departments are relying more and more on the web to provide information and city services, but city web sites need a lot of work. • One or more of the following needs was identified in a number of interviews: - Web Content Management - Graphic Design 6