Council adopts strategic communications plan and charter to centralize council messaging and engagement

The Bellingham City Council adopted a strategic communications and community engagement plan and a companion communications charter intended to create consistent council messaging, strengthen public engagement and establish a small council communications work group to handle emergent priorities.

"Communications at the city is evolving and improving," Assistant Communications and Community Relations Director David Braun told the committee, saying the documents create structure and a tactical path for council communications. Braun described the charter as defining roles and the plan as laying out the objectives and strategies for proactive, coordinated outreach.

Council members pressed for stronger language on two‑way engagement and ensuring public input is gathered early enough to influence outcomes. Council member Littlequist said the council should prioritize opportunities that let the public provide timely and influential input rather than a "one‑and‑done" approach. Braun and administrative communications staff said the communications work plan and the council communications work group would be where tactical, recurring feedback loops are developed.

Council member Huffman moved to approve the strategic communications and community engagement plan; Council member Williams seconded and the motion carried 7–0. Council later approved the communications charter by the same vote. Staff said the charter and plan are living documents and will be refined by the work group during implementation.