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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