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Clackamas County unveils first strategic communications and community engagement plans, including youth program and "Engage Clackamas" hub
Summary
County public-affairs staff presented a new strategic communications plan and a community engagement roadmap that emphasize proactive outreach, measurable KPIs, a youth micro-volunteering program, and a new "Engage Clackamas" web page; the session was informational and no board action was required.
Tony Hawitzki, director of public and government affairs, presented Clackamas County's first strategic communications plan and a companion community engagement plan on June 10, describing a shift from reactive messaging to a proactive, data-driven strategy tied to the board's five strategic priorities.
Hawitzki said the communications plan rests on three core strategies: maintaining a consistent narrative, establishing continuous feedback loops, and ensuring crisis preparedness. The plan includes digital dashboards, an annual public survey and focus groups, and KPIs focused on public awareness, public trust and active engagement.
The community engagement plan builds on legacy programs — advisory boards and commissions, community planning organizations (CPOs), and hamlets and villages — and proposes new initiatives: a youth engagement program (micro-volunteering for grades 8'2 and an eight-hour leadership track), a new internship program for young adults, an annual CPO roundtable, and a volunteer-recognition program. Staff also plans an "Engage Clackamas" web page to centralize surveys, polls, events and volunteer opportunities.
Hawitzki described an internal audit of nine recent projects that found 67% of engagement efforts emphasized "inform," 44% used "consult," about 33% "involve" or "collaborate," and very few projects "empowered" participants; staff recommended a countywide community-of-practice so departments can share engagement strategies and improve consistency. "We did a study... and what we learned is that most of our engagement efforts fell into the inform category," Hawitzki said.
Commissioners praised the effort but raised questions about staffing, funding, and the changing media landscape. Several commissioners volunteered to assist with youth outreach and suggested better coordination with other county entities (for example, the sheriff's office or assessor) to ensure timely and accurate information reaches residents. Chair and commissioners agreed the materials were helpful and asked staff to return with implementation details as needed. Because the session was informational, no board vote was required.
Staff said they will continue refining purpose statements in appendix B, finalize a launch plan for the youth pilot and the Engage Clackamas hub, and coordinate resources and timelines with affected departments.
