In July 2015, the Communications Division was established in
the City of Foster City. The vision of this division is to create a team of knowledgeable
staff to enhance public engagement efforts, motivate and support Council,
staff, and the public to engage, and to transform our community relations
through genuine dialogue.
Since its inception, City communication has increased in
size and in efforts, and has provided both improvements and innovation to how
the City communicates. By creating a Public Engagement Team with members from
every City department, the Communications Division is able to work
collaboratively with all departments on projects and events, and collect
insight from a range of voices.
I would like to share the many avenues through which the
City shares information and engage in dialogue with the Foster City community.
This blog itself was
launched in collaboration with the Communications Division on July 1, 2015.
In October 2015, the Foster City Forum, an online place
where citizens can get informed, offer feedback, and stay engaged was launched.
This tool offers a variety of survey options so that the public can offer their
responses to a broad range of City topics.
In February 2016, the first issue of the Foster City Current was
released. With the many projects,
events, and press releases, we wanted to create an easy and fun way to see the
information that matters most to community members. This monthly e-newsletter
includes highlights of what is happening in the City in the upcoming
month. The newsletter reaches nearly
9,000 subscribers each month.
Also in February, the City
launched its official app, Foster City Access. With marketing assistance from
the Communications Division, the app has nearly 600 downloads so far.
In April 2016, another monthly
e-newsletter was launched, the Economic Development Business E-Newsletter. This
publication is full of City news and tailors information for our business
community in Foster City.
The City’s official YouTube
account has been revived, and the Communications Division is dedicated to
creating original video content, to help tell the story of the City of Foster
City.
The Communications Division
has also expanded and re-strategized the use of social media. More frequent and
engaging content is being introduced on Facebook and Twitter, and the City is
now on Instagram.
In the past month, the Communications
Division created an account on Nextdoor, a social network for neighbors. As a
Nextdoor agency the City can post information, and we soon hope to host a
Q&A for residents.
This is quite a lot to
accomplish in a year. I am very proud of what the Communications Division has
accomplished, and the direction they are steering City Communications. I
encourage you to find the best tool or channel for you, and know that we are
always ready to listen and engage.
