Tools for Communication: Marketing, Surveys and Outreach ICMA Conference, San Diego October 19, 2004

Los Alamos County, New Mexico Home of Los Alamos National Laboratory Highly Educated and Involved Citizenry Consolidated City and County Government 18,500 population $133 million annual budget in FY2005 $32.6 million General Fund budget

The Tool Menu Bi-annual Citizen Perception Survey Website www.lac-nm.us Communications Using Media Project Communications Issue Communications Kan-Du Center

Citizen Perception Survey Done Bi-annually for trending of responses Random Phone Survey of 500 households Statistically Valid Used in Goal Setting by Council Used in Council’s Budget Guidance to Staff Used in Annual Goal Setting for Employees

Website www.lac-nm.us The Survey Says over 95% Have Access Print Ads – reinforce this as a resource Advertise in other ways ie. giveaways Events Information Project Pages using Project Management Public Comment Database Commit to keep it current and updated!

Media Communications Community Newspaper - #1 source of info News Releases to Get Our Story Out There Media Relations is Extremely Important Not Just the “Bad News” Feature Articles on People, Projects & Issues Could Do This Without a PIO “Good News” and “Bad News” Days Radio & TV is 30 Second Sound Bites

Project Communications Public Input: Ask Early, Ask Often Vary meeting styles: Open House, Formal Presentation, or a Combination of the two Seasonal Open Houses of Upcoming Projects at early, “conceptual” stage Media Advertisement Posters of Concepts, Maps Correct Staff Presence – keep it informal! 30, 60 & 95% Design: “Did we get it right?” Neighborhood Block Party – on their “turf” Light Refreshments Help Bring People

Issue Communications Citizen Advocates—Your Champions Vary media – feature stories (print), monthly interviews (radio), County Forum (TV) Fact Sheets – send one, consistent message Annual publications – tell your story & news Spring/Summer & Fall/Winter tabloids Website – encourage interaction “after hours” Traditional: agendas, announcements New approach: on-line

Kan-Du Center One Stop Shop for Information “311” or an Easy Phone Number Database of Requests & Information Functions ie. Cashiering, Receptionist The Right Kind of Employees is Critical Eases calls to Councilors or Busy Staff Helps with internal communication too

And The Lesson Is: and in You! Communicate There is never too much, or even enough It Builds Trust in City Hall, and in You!

For Follow Up: Max Baker, Deputy County Administrator Los Alamos County 2300 Trinity Drive Los Alamos, NM 87544 505-662-8080 Bakerm@lac.losalamos.nm.us Julie Habiger, Public Information Officer 505-662-8083 Habigerj@lac.losalamos.nm.us