Lake County commissioners review 2025 communications plan and set new agenda timeline

Lake County Board of County Commissioners work session — Feb. 13, 2025 — Lake County Courthouse

At a Feb. 13 work session, Lake County communications staff presented a draft 2025 communications plan and walked the board through changes to how the county will handle media engagement, social media, emergency alerts and public outreach. Staff said departments will be asked to submit agenda items two weeks before the March 18 regular meeting so a department memo can be published to the public a week before the meeting.

The communications presentation framed media training as a tool to help elected officials and staff present a unified message. “When we think about media training, what we're really hoping to do is give you all some tools to think about when you engage,” said Liz, a member of county communications staff. The training section emphasized consistency, deference when staff do not have immediate answers and separating personal social-media use from official county communications.

Why it matters: Staff told the board the changes are intended to increase transparency, reduce misinformation and make county information easier to find. Presenters said clearer, earlier publication of agenda materials will give the public and commissioners more time to review proposals ahead of decision meetings.

Major elements of the plan

- Agenda timing and public posting: Staff said the county will request that departments submit agenda language, the supporting memo and packet materials two weeks before the…