Fillmore officials report sharp growth in social media reach; staff recommend video reels and broader outreach

Angel Garcia, Fillmore's senior management analyst, presented a communications and community outreach update on Feb. 10, reporting steady increases across platforms that staff attribute to short videos and frequent posting. "As of January 28 we had 3,527 followers on Facebook with a net increase of 287 followers since July," Garcia said, and noted Instagram followers rose to 6,111 with high engagement from reels.

Garcia said video content accounted for more than half of new followers on Facebook and that total impressions across platforms rose substantially over the measured period. Staff also reactivated Channel 10 and reported impressions there; Garcia said the channel extends outreach to residents who are less active on social media. Councilmembers praised the engagement but asked for clarity on metrics (what counts as a "view") and suggested targeted strategies for younger residents, such as exploring TikTok or youth‑focused internet‑safety reels.

Council discussion included requests to make Channel 10's updated content more visible to residents, to consider short informational clips (including budget basics) and to coordinate with nonprofits or businesses on outreach. Garcia said bilingual materials exist and that staff can work with community partners to distribute pamphlets or stickers.

Council thanked Garcia for the presentation and encouraged continued experimentation with short, platform‑appropriate video content to expand local civic engagement.