The September 18, 2025, Budget Committee meeting for the City of Minneapolis focused on the evolving communications strategy within the city government. The meeting began with an acknowledgment of DCO Melham's contributions as an interim leader of the communications team, highlighting her deep understanding of the department's challenges and opportunities.

The primary agenda item was the presentation of a budget recommendation aimed at modernizing the communications function. The speaker emphasized the need for a cohesive and integrated approach to city communications, which has historically been fragmented and siloed. Reports indicated that more funds were spent on external communications than within the department itself, underscoring the necessity for internal unification and strategic planning.

The vision for the communications department includes building trust and goodwill with the community while enhancing the clarity and effectiveness of messaging. The speaker noted that the team has faced significant challenges, including a lack of professional development opportunities and disjointed messaging. However, there is optimism for growth and collaboration moving forward.

Key initiatives discussed included the integration of communicators from various departments into a central communications team, which has already begun to show positive results. The speaker outlined a timeline for further unification and the development of a strategic framework to guide citywide communications. This framework aims to ensure that messaging is audience-centric and cohesive across all platforms.

Metrics from the past year were shared, showcasing a 225% increase in organic social media impressions and 188 media stories secured through proactive outreach. The team also successfully supported the Minneapolis Police Department's recruitment campaign and managed communications during significant events, including the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's murder and a recent tragic shooting incident.

The meeting concluded with a discussion of future opportunities and risks, emphasizing the importance of continued investment in the communications department to enhance its capacity to serve the community effectively. The proposed budget will be critical in supporting these initiatives and ensuring the department can meet the evolving needs of Minneapolis residents.