Constituent Communications: The Key To A Well-Functioning City
By Eleonore Evans, Government Relations Representative
Good communication is key for any partnership, and the relationship between local governments and their constituents is no exception. Strong, effective communication from local governments builds trust with constituents.
The workings of any government body can seem foreign and far-off, which can distance constituents from their government and elected officials. When governments communicate with community members frequently, this assures citizens that they’re being considered.
While there is no “perfect” cadence to city communications, digital communications are essential services in local government.
Keeping official sites and additional channels - such as social media or public signage - up to date with news and resources both engages and informs constituents, solidifying the relationship between local governments and the people they serve.
City communications should be consistent, transparent, far-reaching, and engage citizens in discussion and decision making processes.
Focus on Transparency
Transparency is key to building trust in an organization, and offering insights into the functions and decision making process of local governments helps citizens become more engaged in their local governing bodies.
The Institute for Public Relations published a study which notes that transparency in communications provides essential information to the public, increases public participation, and holds organizations accountable.
Ensure Your Message is Heard
One of the most difficult elements of constituent communications is ensuring that all constituents are informed about the operations of their city, including those without regular access to the internet or technological devices.
Far-reaching communications can work to remedy this problem by meeting constituents where they are, which can mean moving outdoors. Providing city updates in public spaces and common areas ensures that everyone has access to relevant, timely information, regardless of their access to internet or digital technology.
Solicit Feedback
Communication is a two-way street, and constituent feedback is necessary for cities to function most efficiently. This ensures that citizens feel heard and supports cities in implementing the best solutions for their citizens.
Cities have increasingly solicited public meetings and listening sessions to discuss city budget allocations - a great way to demonstrate transparency with the public and seek out citizen’s opinions on where and why money is being spent.
The Global Designing Cities Initiative highlights several effective communications and engagement strategies:
Offer workshops, meetings, and presentations
Provide channels where citizens can provide comments or feedback
Listen!
Soofa Signs offer a reliable, flexible platform for cities to communicate with constituents, while also providing community members with the neighborhood news that matters most to them. The Soofa Signs’ new opinion applet offers cities the opportunity to engage directly with constituents. Cities can post questions to the Signs twice a month and passersby can text in their response, delivering real-time public feedback.
Click here to bring Soofa Signs to your city today.