Commissioners pressed staff for better public outreach after multiple residents reported not seeing announcements for recent events.

Vice Chair Nielsen and others said the city website is difficult to navigate and that multiple pages and limited access for staff make posting timely information hard. Staff acknowledged the website is cumbersome, that only a handful of employees can update it, and that the city has been recruiting for a communications specialist to centralize updates.

As interim measures, staff said the department relies on social media posts, e-blasts through the recreation registration system, a constant-contact list and the Remind texting app (with QR codes in the recreation guide) for time-sensitive notices such as pool closures. Staff also said they will explore distributing flyers through local churches and the ministerial alliance and will continue to add community contacts to distribution lists.

Commissioners suggested practical steps including giving the commission its own distribution account, incorporating upcoming events into one clear page, and increasing tabling and outreach at community events such as Blues in the Park. Staff said they would coordinate with communications and follow up on specific contact lists and website access issues.

Next steps: staff will investigate access permissions for website updates, pursue ways to create a clearer events landing page, and explore a commission-level mailing list until a permanent communications specialist is hired.