Local Government Engagement Initiative CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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
CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM COMMUNICATIONS WORKGROUP RETREAT JANUARY 11, 2017
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
“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
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
“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.”
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.
circuit rider or “ambassador” programs, etc.
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?
Local Government (specify rural, urban, suburban, low growth, high growth,
etc.)
State Associations of Municipalities (audience and messenger) Planning Districts / Commissions (Boards and Staff) Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (Boards and Staff)
Overall Roadmap Messaging Framework
Purpose for engaging or communicating Audiences Messengers Message
Communications / Engagement Template
Planned, Needed, Timeframe
Mary Gattis, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
Jennifer Starr, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
http://www.chesapeakebay.net/groups/group/local_government_
engagement_initiative