At its July 7 meeting the Historic Preservation Board received staff updates on three communications and outreach items: an upcoming historic-resource survey plan, a proposed series of brief "why preservation" interview videos for the board's web page, and a planned August presentation about the City Auditorium from Parks and Recreation staff and outside consultants.

Staff presenter Ethan Schafer told the board the historic-resource survey plan should be ready for the board's August meeting after final edits and that staff expects a "pretty lengthy review" in August. Schafer said he and board members Judy Bierbaum and Sarah (last name not specified) are forming a small work group to create a sequence of six short educational segments for the board's preservation website under a "Why preservation" theme. The segments would be two-to-three minute interviews with local preservation advocates, board members, city officials or others; Schafer and the work group will propose interviewees and produce the segments.

Schafer also reported he had coordinated with Kim King from Parks and Recreation to schedule an August presentation at the board's meeting about the City Auditorium. He said the presentation will include background on an internal working group and consultants (AVA EDL), a firm that works with civic theaters and similar facilities, and that Parks staff will describe the group's findings and next steps. Board members agreed the August meeting is the appropriate time for that presentation.

Board members discussed outreach approaches, including social-media distribution and other channels used previously in partnership with the cultural office. Several members suggested local interview subjects, including authors and long-time preservation advocates. No formal action was taken; the items were informational and will return for further review or presentation in August.