Live Green Lexington outlines marketing strategy, compost workshops and limits of behavior-change campaigns

Angela Poe, program outreach manager senior for Lexington’s Department of Environmental Quality and Public Works (EQPW), briefed the committee on the city’s Live Green Lexington public information and engagement program, saying the goal is to inform residents about department services and encourage behaviors that support operations.

Poe told the committee, “It is our job in public information and engagement to inform the public about what EQPW does for them and try to engage folks in behaviors that help further our goals and help make Lexington, a better community.” She described the program’s three complementary teams — marketing, community outreach and education — and said today’s presentation focused on marketing activities.

Why it matters: Poe warned that mass marketing alone rarely changes behavior. She said the city uses advertising, social media and in-person events together to try to close knowledge gaps, increase familiarity and prompt action where residents are already inclined to act.

Poe outlined paid and…