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Berkeley communications director presents survey; recommends website tweaks, e-newsletter and targeted outreach to seniors
Summary
Communications Director Caitlin Florup told the Berkeley City Council on Oct. 20 that a summer survey of residents'communication preferences drew 147 responses and flagged social media, email and community-run Facebook groups as the top ways residents learn about city information.
Communications Director Caitlin Florup told the Berkeley City Council on Oct. 20 that a summer survey of residents'communication preferences drew 147 responses and flagged social media, email and community-run Facebook groups as the top ways residents learn about city information. "The survey was available from July 14 to August 15 this summer, and it received 147 responses," Florup said.
Florup said the survey was promoted on social media, the city website, email and through flyers, and that staff made extra outreach to older residents at Oxford Park Towers and through senior programs. She said results showed residents most wanted emergency alerts and public-safety updates, followed by council decisions, roadwork and construction notices, and community events and classes.
The presentation recommended several near-term changes: adjust the website home-page headers and add short direct links for departments (for example, berkeleymi.gov/library), post city content directly into popular community Facebook groups to increase reach, and relaunch an electronic newsletter on a weekly or biweekly cadence rather than the less-read monthly version. Florup said physical mailers will continue but that digital channels should be prioritized to match resident preferences.
Florup also reported that 37 residents signed up for a general city-email list and 41 residents signed up for city-council-specific updates as a direct result of the survey; both signup forms are posted at berkeleymi.gov/communications. Council members thanked Florup and asked about outreach to seniors and coordination with other departments. Florup said she's working with Senior Program Manager Josie Modrak to ensure information is distributed through senior channels.
Council member Baker thanked Florup "for taking the time to put together such a thoughtful survey" and said residents will appreciate the improved communications. Council member Hennen, who has produced a newsletter for the city in the past, said she was "very happy to see the city taking this over."
The presentation was for information only; no formal council action was taken.
