Two weeks ago, the following letter to the editor was printed in our local newspaper:
I was somewhat disappointed that a resident would think of the work we do as less than essential, but I also recognize that it’s my responsibility to help people understand why we have a communications function. It’s obvious that the writer saw the function of our Community Relations department as being a hindrance, rather than a help to our residents.
We all believe that the reason we are here is to promote transparency and encourage participation with the City of Reno government. We strive to make certain that residents are able to hear and understand the decisions made by policy makers, have knowledge of City codes and regulations, and are able to access services and products that the City makes available.
Seeing this letter made me realize that it would be easy for someone to assume that we are trying to sell a version of the City’s story that paints the staff and elected officials in a good light, or are trying to spin issues in our favor. They may think we are there to protect powerful interests. Or that we have an agenda that we’re trying to push.
She was right about the need to balance this function in the face of major organizational downsizing, of course. We recognized that the size of our Community Relations division was a “nice to have” function, a luxury we could no longer afford to maintain at the levels we once had. As mentioned in my previous post, we have reduced our department by eight positions since January and are operating at a much reduced level.
Community Relations was cut by more than 42%, where other departments were cut by about 25%, and public safety by 11-12%. That makes sense, given the importance of public safety. And we may reduce even more through attrition and staff reassignment.
We still have the call center, so people can call one number to ask questions, provide feedback, or enter a service request. We still have two Community Liaisons who work with the Neighborhood Advisory Boards and act as ombudsmen to help residents who are having challenges. And we still have three communications people to answer media questions, keep the website maintained, produce occasional videos, monitor social media sites, write blog entries, run town hall meetings, and provide the public with accurate and timely information about the City.
My goal is to provide what I consider an absolutely essential service: access and transparency of local government to its constituents.
