City of Morgan Hill Communications Assessment

Action Steps o Develop a “Transparency Center” on the website that consolidates data such as Form 700s, employee compensation information, City Manager contract information, annual budgets, financial reports, etc. o Add a Transparency Center link or button to the website home page and a menu item to the top navigation menu. o Look into software solutions such as OpenGov for enhanced budgeting, reporting and open data, and easier replies to information act requests. o Publish Press Releases and otherwise ensure local media is aware whenever the City publishes financial reports and similar data. 11. Evaluate a Changed Model for Staff Support of City Communications Maureen Tobin is the central figure responsible for overseeing the City’s communication efforts across multiple Departments, a role very similar to a Public Information Officer in other cities. Tripepi Smith noted that, given her role, Maureen spends a large amount of her day-to- day hours on tasks and efforts that could just as easily be completed by a more junior resource. Previously, Maureen had a part-time temporary employee assisting her; the hours for this position are currently budgeted, but the position is unfilled at this time. Filling this position would better leverage Maureen’s experience and skills to bring a more uniform voice to the City’s communications. Action Steps o Fill the position for a part-time employee who could help Maureen execute day-to-day Communications responsibilities. (Note: it may take time to find a candidate with technical skills who is willing to work in a part-time, temporary position at the hourly rate currently budgeted.) o These responsibilities may include: engaging on social media, researching answers to resident questions, developing analytics reports, developing content for emails, etc. o Once position is filled , have Maureen focus on more strategic efforts, such as internal Communications policy and strategy development, staff training/mentoring, media relations, metrics monitoring, content calendar development, etc. o Continue to empower individual Departments to plan and produce their own communications. For example, Water Quality Reports are a great opportunity to celebrate the Public Works Department’s diligent efforts via press releases, News articles on the website, social media posts, etc. o Continue to provide opportunities for Departments to internally discuss Communications (lessons learned, best practices, upcoming content, etc.) in an environment facilitated by Maureen. Conclusion There is a lot of great progress happening in Morgan Hill. This ‘South Silicon Valley’ City offers residents and visitors a vibrant Downtown, year-round outdoor recreational activities, popular recreation facilities, wineries, parks and more. The Downtown core continues to receive

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