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Clinton council reviews five-year strategic plan, prioritizes clearer communications and a new PIO
Summary
At a Jan. 8 special meeting, Clinton officials discussed a proposed five-year Strategic Plan and set near-term steps to improve communications — including a new city website expected in mid-February and the naming of Donya Langston as Public Information Officer — while urging systematic follow-up to public input.
Mayor Randall convened the City of Clinton’s special called meeting on Jan. 8 with a single agenda item: discussion of a proposed five-year Strategic Plan and how the city will communicate and follow up on public input. City Manager Meadors framed the plan as covering vision and mission, strategic goals, action strategies, performance indicators, financial planning and community engagement.
Susan Tallman, a downtown business owner and Design Review Board member, told council she supports outreach but said the city’s engagement “falls short” on follow-up and clear next steps. “Everyone just wants to be heard,” Tallman said, and she urged the city to return to residents with what it learned and what it can actually do given budget limits.
Katherine Elrod of Seeker presented a communications and branding framework, urging the city to define a clear value proposition, pick target audiences and use a mix of platforms and metrics. “Perception is reality,” Elrod said, arguing that the city should make “reality the perception” through consistent visuals, tone, content calendars and measurable feedback loops.
Councilmembers pressed for specific follow-up procedures for public comment. Councilmember Williams said she wants staff to ensure anyone who speaks — even those who do not leave written statements — receives a response. Meadors said the city will continue one-on-one follow-ups the administration began after complaints raised at the Jan. 5 council meeting; he noted Assistant Police Chief Lawton had contacted two residents who raised noise concerns.
Meadors told council the city’s redesigned website is expected to be live by mid-February 2026 and said Donya Langston has been named the city’s Public Information Officer. Councilmember Walsh confirmed the position was new; Meadors said the city previously had not employed a PIO in that role.
Council discussion also emphasized transparency: posting full council packets online, publishing how complaints are resolved and creating clear contact pathways so residents and developers know whom to call. Meadors said he is preparing a succession plan and plans to advertise for a full-time Planning Director within days.
Next steps identified during the meeting include launching the new website (mid-February 2026), formalizing public-comment follow-up procedures, and moving forward with the advertised Planning Director position. The council adjourned after the presentation and discussion.
