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Consultants propose proactive communications plan for Oklahoma County detention center; commissioners flag funding uncertainty
Summary
A consultant team recommended building a central website, targeted town halls, paid social media and video testimonies to improve public understanding of a proposed Oklahoma County detention center; commissioners emphasized that funding details must be resolved before a public rollout.
Consultants from Schnake Turnbull & Frank presented a proactive communications strategy to Oklahoma County commissioners aimed at improving public awareness of the proposed Oklahoma County detention center.
Russ Florence of Schnake Turnbull & Frank summarized the firm—s recommendations and said the goal is to present clear, credible information to the public over time. "Our suggestion is to employ a strategic, consistent, and proactive communications" program that uses a central website, town halls, targeted paid social media, and short testimonial videos, Florence said.
Florence recommended a central online hub (a draft site referred to in the presentation as saferoklahomacounty.org) to host renderings, frequently asked questions, news coverage and a feedback form. He said the site and email signups would allow the county to "deliver our messages directly to our stakeholders" and provide a single, credible repository for project information.
Commissioner Lowe pressed the consultants on whether the county can promote the project without a funding plan. "How difficult is it to, promote that message without knowing how we're gonna pay for it?" Lowe asked. Florence acknowledged the challenge, saying that while the need and project details can be explained, building trust about funding requires clarity on how the project will be paid for.
Board members and staff clarified that the presentation was informational only; no action was required or taken. Commissioners said any public rollout should be timed to coincide with concrete funding plans so the messaging does not "evaporate" if financial answers are not yet available.
The consultants suggested town halls segmented by topic (for example, criminal justice, mental health and nonprofit partners), use of paid social media to drive people to the central website, and short videos featuring community leaders and stakeholders to address misinformation.
Commissioners repeatedly noted funding is unresolved and that outreach should wait until a financing plan is ready. The consultants and commissioners used the meeting to align on messages and possible formats but did not present a financing proposal at the meeting.
The presentation took place during the board—s policy/presentation portion; commissioners thanked the consultants and indicated they would return to the item when a coordinated rollout aligns with the county—s funding timeline.
