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City of Chaska outlines communications refresh, relaunch of mailed newsletter and an engagement trailer
Summary
The city communications team described a website refresh, return of a mailed newsletter titled "Chaska Today," a media series and a forthcoming community engagement trailer to be used at neighborhood events.
City of Chaska communications staff presented a multi-part update on outreach tools and a proposed mobile engagement trailer during the council meeting.
Kevin, the city’s community engagement manager, said staff are refreshing site graphics, reviving a mailed newsletter called Chaska Today that will be distributed to all 55318 ZIP code addresses every other month, and launching short-form video projects and a locally focused series. “The big one for us is consistency in communications,” Kevin said, adding that staff aim to build a predictable cadence so residents come to expect recurring communications.
Why it matters: The communications work is intended to broaden reach beyond social media and add tangible touch points for residents who rely on mail or want longer-format content.
Key initiatives
- Newsletter: Chaska Today will be an 11-by-17 folded one-sheet mailed bi-monthly to the 55318 ZIP code (residents and businesses in and near Chaska). Staff said the first editions will emphasize city news, local businesses and community initiatives; the frequency can be increased if demand warrants it.
- Video/podcast projects: Kevin described two series: a short “We Answer” slot focused on specific topics (parks, finance) and a longer format titled “Locally Yours” that will appear on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (and, when cable returns, on the cable station).
- Website refresh and broadcast upgrades: Staff said recent AV and camera upgrades restored agenda graphics to Zoom and will allow the cable station to resume in June. The CivicPlus site refresh will emphasize mobile-friendly design and homepage elements.
- Engagement trailer: The city plans to refurbish a former search trailer into an interactive community engagement vehicle (working title: “5 0 trailer”), able to serve food at up to 10 events under current health permitting and to host screens, displays and games for neighborhood engagement. Staff described design ideas—screens for presentations, an interactive serving window and flexible programming—and said the trailer will be staffed by city employees and police for neighborhood appearances.
Council response and next steps
Council members expressed support for the newsletter and for having a physically present engagement tool to reach residents who do not use social media. Kevin said staff will continue to test formats, solicit resident questions for the video series and promote the Parkapalooza and other spring events with physical displays.
No formal council action was required on the communications briefing.
