Local Government Engagement Initiative CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM COMMUNICATIONS WORKGROUP RETREAT JANUARY 11, 2017
What We Know About the Audience Local officials learn from each other and from trusted sources Local governments have many competing priorities There is a wide disparity in existing knowledge base Local officials need a way to quickly gain big picture perspective Turnover of elected officials must be considered Information overload is an issue
Stakeholder Concerns from Frank Dukes’Assessment Report: “ Too many localities and sectors do not know what is expected of them .” “There is more awareness of the Bay TMDL, but not necessarily more buy-in, not when funding competes with other necessities such as schools and social services.” “ There is a huge gap between what staff know and what elected officials and residents know.”
What We Know About Messaging and Delivery Engagement and communication should begin early and be consistent, with clear schedules and expectations provided Problems arise when EPA and Jurisdiction messages aren’t aligned Uncoordinated and inconsistent communications efforts are often ineffective Resources need to be targeted There is a need to learn from and build upon local successes Focus should be on local waters
Stakeholder Concerns from Frank Dukes’Assessment Report: “There are too many mixed messages from states and EPA. Open hostility between EPA and state officials is evident in planning meetings; that creates doubt that if they cannot agree on what is right, how can we know what is right? EPA and the state need to work out their differences before meeting with local jurisdictions and sectors .”
What we knew in 2002 Efficient use of existing institutions and organizational structures is preferred over the creation of new structures. A one-size-fits-all approach to local government coordination and Agreement implementation will not work. Differences in local government access to technology must be considered during the development of communications strategies.
Suggested Solutions / Approaches Target communications to the willing and able • Develop comprehensive plan for outreach/engagement: webinars, meetings, • circuit rider or “ambassador” programs, etc. Develop and disseminate success stories that foster replication (“how to” info) • Engage trusted sources in disseminating messages, e.g. municipal associations • Establish more opportunities for peer-to-peer sharing • Support local/regional communications efforts to build public will •
Our Common Agenda What needs to be communicated, When, and To Whom? What is the best format for delivery? Who are the best messengers? Who needs to be engaged? When? Why? What do they need to know to be effective participants? What tools / resources are needed?
Audiences and/or Messengers Local Government (specify rural, urban, suburban, low growth, high growth, etc.) Elected Officials Staff State Associations of Municipalities (audience and messenger) Planning Districts / Commissions (Boards and Staff) Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (Boards and Staff)
Tools to help you plan: Overall Roadmap Messaging Framework Purpose for engaging or communicating Audiences Messengers Message Communications / Engagement Template Planned, Needed, Timeframe
Tools to help you plan: Overall Roadmap
Tools to help you plan: Messaging Framework
Tools to help you plan: Communications / Engagement Template
Tools to help you plan: Communications / Engagement Template
Contacts and Resources Mary Gattis, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay 717-475-8390 or mgattis@allianceforthebay.org Jennifer Starr, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay 804-793-8786 or jstarr@allianceforthebay.org http://www.chesapeakebay.net/groups/group/local_government_ engagement_initiative
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