can you hear me now? - iowa league of cities · can you hear me now? sandi fowler, city of cedar...

Can You Hear

Me Now?

Sandi Fowler, City of Cedar Rapids

Iowa League of Cities 2012 Annual Conference & Exhibit

Handouts and presentations are available online at www.iowaleague.org

Photo Courtesy of Mark Tade

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

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Seven New Communication Channels since 2008

Why?

• To reach more citizens in more places

• To serve as THE source for accurate city news

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Traditional Communications Methods

• Website: New platform, new design,

more employee access, search engine

optimized

• E-newsletter: Delivered to subscribers

twice a month

• Magazine: Delivered to ALL

households and businesses quarterly

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Expanded Communications Methods

• Text Messages: Delivering target

messages to targeted audiences

• Social Media: Using Twitter and

Facebook to reach younger demographic

• Mobile App: Providing City services

through 2-way communication

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Cedar Rapids Mobile App

• Dec. 2011: Launched the

first custom-designed, city

government mobile app in the

state

• Aug. 2012: Introduced new

version with more features

• Cost: Under $10,000

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Mobile App Services

• CleanUpCR – Take photos and

report potholes, dilapidated

properties, etc.

• My Neighborhood – Access service

info based on a specific location

• City Services – Read city news,

reserve a tee time, rent pavilion

• Contact Info – Quickly connect

with city departments via phone,

email or location

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Sample

CleanUpCR

Submission

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Citizen Engagement Since 2008

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Website Traffic: FY12 Visits

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Developing More Communication Channels

• Event: Annual Resident Appreciation Day

• Citizen Recognition: Five Seasons Citizenship Awards

• Blog: CRFact.com

• Online Video Streaming: Council Agenda Automation

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For More Information

Sandi Fowler

Assistant to the City Manager

s.fowler@cedar-rapids.org

319-286-5077

Cassie Willis

Communications Liaison

c.willis@cedar-rapids.org

319-286-5055

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