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Councilmembers push proactive outreach to counter social-media "information voids"
Summary
Councilmember Colin Topper said information voids are "filled with angry social media voices," and the council discussed proactive outreach including booths, videos, neighborhood meetings, texts and senior meetings at the Grand Center to increase resident engagement.
Councilmember Colin Topper said the city needs proactive outreach because "information voids are filled with angry social media voices," urging methods such as booths, meetings and videos to keep residents informed and engaged. He recommended the council be accessible to residents to learn about and discuss issues rather than allowing social media to set the narrative.
Mayor Joette Langianese and Councilmember Jason Taylor said meeting face-to-face with business owners and residents is preferable to social-media-only outreach. Councilmember Miles Loftin suggested additional tools such as text messages and meet-ups beyond campaign seasons. Councilmember Tawny Knuteson-Boyd said prior drop-in meetings had low attendance and recommended senior meetings at the Grand Center, a monthly newsletter and neighborhood meetings as alternatives to boost participation.
Why it matters: Improved outreach strategies may increase public participation in council processes and reduce misinformation; Council discussed multiple tactics and the need to tailor approaches to different constituencies.
