can you hear me now? - iowa league of cities · can you hear me now? sandi fowler, city of cedar...
TRANSCRIPT
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
319-286-5077
Cassie Willis
Communications Liaison
319-286-5055
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