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Communications coordinator defends reopening Facebook comments, cites big social metrics
Summary
New communications coordinator Scott Harter told the committee the city reopened Facebook comments and reactivated other platforms after updating policy with legal counsel and citing guidance from MRSC and AWC; he highlighted a Snoqualmie Falls video with roughly 385,000 views and improved short-form video reach.
Scott Harter, the city’s new communications coordinator and public information officer, presented the administration’s updated social media approach to the Finance & Administration Committee on April 21.
Harter said the city updated its social media policy in consultation with legal counsel and guidance from the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) and the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) before reopening Facebook comments, which had been disabled since 2022. He said the change was meant to increase engagement and signal that the city is listening to residents.
Harter described a short-form video pilot and platform reactivation. He said a short video he shot at Snoqualmie Falls during flood stage received about 385,000 views, 10,000 likes, 2,500 shares and 300 comments on the platform where it was posted. He reported that 11 short-form videos posted in the prior month garnered roughly 11,000 views compared with about 6,200 views over the prior 165 days.
Council members responded with mixed views. Council Member Holloway and others raised concerns about moderation workload and the potential for inflammatory comments that could lead to legal issues; one member said the city has previously received disparaging emails and cautioned that public-facing comment threads can spread harmful claims. Council Member Washington and the mayor emphasized the value of meeting residents on the platforms they use and rebuilding trust. Harter said the administration rolled out the change as a soft launch and will continue refining the policy, moderation tools and content strategy.
Administration said it will continue to monitor how comment moderation affects staff time and legal exposure and return with additional details as needed.
