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

2. 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

3. The Tool Menu Bi-annual Citizen Perception Survey
Website
Communications Using Media
Project Communications
Issue Communications
Kan-Du Center

4. 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

5. 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!

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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!

11. For Follow Up: Max Baker, Deputy County Administrator
Los Alamos County
2300 Trinity Drive
Los Alamos, NM
Julie Habiger, Public Information Officer