Two Way Communication
When I became a City Manager nine years ago, I was surprised by the lack of interest in local government in communicating with our citizen customers. The attitude of most of my colleagues was, "If we haven't heard from them, they must be happy." There is some truth to that, but I don't buy it. My previous experience in the private and non-profit sectors convinced me that listening to and communicating with your customers is something that should never be taken for granted.
That's why I maintain this blog. I know only a small number of people have time in their busy lives to go out of their way to keep up with City news. But for those of you that do, I want to offer a real time opportunity for dialogue and more in-depth background than you'd find in the daily paper. But it is only one way we are emphasizing communication:
Improvements to our City Web Site: we are constantly updating and expanding information and links to give you around-the-clock easy access to information. Our new media portal, for example, not only lists all City press releases, but recent articles from local and regional media about our town.
http://www.cityofventura.net/mportal/
Web Streaming Council meetings: In addition to live and taped cable broadcast of Council and key Commission meetings, we now have both live and archive web streaming. It allows you to click right to the agenda topic discussion you want to hear.
http://www.cityofventura.net/video
My Ventura Access: We've established a one-stop way to get your questions answered and your complaints, concerns and compliments addressed. This easy-to-use portal allows you to not only leave a comment that is automatically acknowledged and routed to the right contact in City government, it allows you to track the status yourself. It also allows us to ensure accountability so that concerns don't simply fall between the cracks or linger unresolved indefinitely.
http://www.cityofventura.net/mva
E Newsletter: We also offer a weekly update on city news to anyone interested in subscribing. Primarily focused on smart growth updates, it also carries other important news you can use.
http://www.cityofventura.net/enews/smartgrowth/
My Ventura: For years, we blanketed the town with our seasonal recreation guides -- and sent out a color flyer with the bimonthly water bills. Last fall, we consolidated the two at no additional cost to mail My Ventura magazine to all households a three times a year round-up of recreation classes and other city news.
Of course that's not all. City Councilmembers and City staff speak often at service clubs and community meetings. We put on workshops and special events. We produce a steady stream of flyers, posters and postcards about the latest happenings.
Could we do more -- or better? Sure. I welcome your feedback and ideas. As my wife often observes, "Communication is key."
That's why I maintain this blog. I know only a small number of people have time in their busy lives to go out of their way to keep up with City news. But for those of you that do, I want to offer a real time opportunity for dialogue and more in-depth background than you'd find in the daily paper. But it is only one way we are emphasizing communication:
Improvements to our City Web Site: we are constantly updating and expanding information and links to give you around-the-clock easy access to information. Our new media portal, for example, not only lists all City press releases, but recent articles from local and regional media about our town.
http://www.cityofventura.net/mportal/
Web Streaming Council meetings: In addition to live and taped cable broadcast of Council and key Commission meetings, we now have both live and archive web streaming. It allows you to click right to the agenda topic discussion you want to hear.
http://www.cityofventura.net/video
My Ventura Access: We've established a one-stop way to get your questions answered and your complaints, concerns and compliments addressed. This easy-to-use portal allows you to not only leave a comment that is automatically acknowledged and routed to the right contact in City government, it allows you to track the status yourself. It also allows us to ensure accountability so that concerns don't simply fall between the cracks or linger unresolved indefinitely.
http://www.cityofventura.net/mva
E Newsletter: We also offer a weekly update on city news to anyone interested in subscribing. Primarily focused on smart growth updates, it also carries other important news you can use.
http://www.cityofventura.net/enews/smartgrowth/
My Ventura: For years, we blanketed the town with our seasonal recreation guides -- and sent out a color flyer with the bimonthly water bills. Last fall, we consolidated the two at no additional cost to mail My Ventura magazine to all households a three times a year round-up of recreation classes and other city news.
Of course that's not all. City Councilmembers and City staff speak often at service clubs and community meetings. We put on workshops and special events. We produce a steady stream of flyers, posters and postcards about the latest happenings.
Could we do more -- or better? Sure. I welcome your feedback and ideas. As my wife often observes, "Communication is key."
posted by Rick Cole at
9:28 AM
5 Comments:
Keep up the good work! Don't know much about your track record or Ventura, but a City Manager with a blog is pretty awesome. Kudos!
...From Citizen of Encinitas, CA
Rick,
This blog is a great service that you perform and it is a shame more people (who DO have enough time to keep up with the latest Paris Hilton news but don't "have enough time" to involve themselves in their community) don't partake in this dialog.
Part of it may be the feeling of inevitability.
For example, Wal-Mart. We as a community decided we did not want Wal-Mart on Victoria so why is there even a discussion going on about them locating in the soon-to-be former K-mart site? Wal Mart provides for some short-term tax benefits at the long-term detriment to the community.
The courts have ruled that we can virtually pass an ordinance banning Wal-Mart specifically and yet this conversation continues.
The "people" have shown in recent polls to be opposed to Wal-Mart going in by over 60% and yet this conversation continues.
Which means it is not a two way communication because our leaders are not hearing us, the voters... we the people of the City of Ventura.
Perhaps this partially to blame for the non-involvement. We shouldn't have to feel as if we need to storm City Hall before anyone takes us seriously. That being said, based on the rumblings I have been hearing, city leaders will be hearing from the people sooner than they might think.
You are absolutly right about most people not having or taking enough time to get involved with local events or happenings. That is exactly why a small group such as the Hillside Conservancy was able to stop the California University from being built on the Taylor Ranch and the Open 80 Master Plan for the Hillsides above Ventura was skuttled. If more of the citizens would take a stance or at least vote on these items maybe the city of Ventura could come out of the Dark Ages.
Rellis Smith
res@venturastuff.com
Ventura Blew not having the University built on the Taylor ranch!
Has it been nine years already, or does it just feel that way? :)
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