To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council
From: Steve Potter, City Manager
Prepared By: Jaina French, Community & Media Relations Manager
TITLE:
Title
Update on Community Relations Initiatives, Measure G Communications, and Aspen Institute Collaboration
LABEL
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommendation
Receive a report from City Manager’s Office Community Relations staff
Body
DISCUSSION:
Background
Effective governance requires active community participation and for FY 2025/26, the Council has included Community Engagement as a key Focus Area. The City’s Community Relations initiatives are designed to foster transparent, accessible government and strengthen communication between the City and residents. These efforts ensure that public input is meaningfully integrated into decision-making processes and that city services reflect community needs and priorities. Today’s presentation will provide an overview of ongoing projects and enhancements to the City’s Community Relations program, a highlight on Measure G related communications, and a review of the City’s recent collaboration with the Aspen Institute.
Ongoing Projects & Enhancement Opportunities
The Community Relations Division is responsible for a wide-range of internal and external communication efforts. Below is a list of some of the ongoing projects the Division is managing:
|
Project |
Description |
Key Metrics |
Status |
|
Napa City Academy |
Annual 6-week civic education program for residents |
Participant feedback, engagement levels |
Ongoing |
|
Social Media Program |
Active presence on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Nextdoor, LinkedIn |
Reach, engagement, follower growth |
Ongoing |
|
Emergency Notification System |
Everbridge system for emergency alerts |
System reliability, communication effectiveness |
Ongoing |
|
Website Management |
Regular updates and staff training for usability |
Performance metrics, user feedback |
Ongoing |
|
Measure G Awareness Campaign |
Communications on Measure G-funded projects and programs |
Public awareness, engagement levels |
Ongoing |
|
Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) |
Community-friendly financial reporting |
GFOA recognition |
Ongoing |
Additionally, with the inclusion of Community Engagement as a Focus Area, staff has outlined a number of program enhancements aimed at providing more information to our community members.
|
Initiative |
Description |
Key Metrics |
Status |
|
Pre-Promotion of Council Meetings |
Structured outreach via social media, newsletters, website |
Campaign launch, quarterly effectiveness reviews |
Ongoing |
|
City Manager Communications |
Monthly email and quarterly video updates |
Implementation, semi-annual evaluations |
Ongoing |
|
Video Communications |
Monthly videos including animated explainers |
Production and distribution |
Ongoing |
|
Enhanced Social Media Engagement |
Interactive content, contests, visual storytelling |
Reach and engagement with younger demographics |
Ongoing |
|
Community Town Halls/Open Houses |
Quarterly events, including FY26 Measure G-focused sessions |
Event count, participant feedback |
Ongoing |
|
Monitoring Misinformation |
Fact-checking webpage and social media posts to ensure accurate information is available |
Campaign effectiveness |
Ongoing |
|
Online Digital Budget Book |
Accessible two-year budget publication |
GFOA recognition, citizen engagement |
Ongoing |
|
Budget Analyst Addition |
Oversight and reporting of Measure G expenditures |
Report quality, spending accountability |
Ongoing |
Measure G Communications Update
With the passage of Measure G in November 2024, the City now has the resources to make significant progress on community priorities. A key goal as we move forward is to ensure residents are aware of the benefits and key results of the Measure G expenditures. There will be a focus on both project communications for details about the progress and implementation of specific efforts and broader information on Measure G generally. The Measure G Awareness Campaign includes:
Project Communications
- Regular updates on infrastructure and community service projects
- Visual storytelling through social media and video explainers
- Integration of Measure G highlights in City Manager newsletters
- Project based signage highlighting progress in the field for community awareness
Broader Measure G Reporting
- The Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) and the Digital Budget Book have been key tools in communicating fiscal transparency.
- The newly added Budget Analyst will improve the quality and timeliness of expenditure reporting to the Oversight Committee.
- Planning is underway for a dedicated FY26 Town Hall focused on Measure G implementation to occur in Spring of 2026.
- Regular public meetings of the Measure G Oversight Committee and publication of an annual report summarizing the Measure G expenditures for the general public
- Dedicated website with information on Measure G and project updates
- Regular press releases, social media, highlights in community newsletters, etc.
Aspen Institute Collaboration
Earlier this year, the City was honored to be a part of the Aspen Institute's Science and Technology Fellowship program as the public sector stakeholder. This program allows professionals in the Science and Technology sectors to learn and practice public policy advocacy. Charged with assisting the City on ideas to further our communications program, with an emphasis on Measure G communications, City staff, Mayor Sedgley, and Vice Mayor Luros, reviewed new and enhanced communication strategies which included community liaisons, specialized signage and videos, capital project update campaigns and more.
Following these presentations from the Aspen Institute’s policy group, staff has reviewed and prioritized several recommendations aligned with the City’s strategic goals. Key developments include:
- Selection of policy initiatives focused on equity in civic engagement, digital inclusion, and participatory budgeting.
- Staff is currently developing implementation plans for selected recommendations, with pilot programs anticipated in FY26.
- Continued collaboration with Aspen Institute advisors will support evaluation and refinement of these initiatives.
Next Steps
- Launch enhanced Measure G communications in coming months.
- Finalize implementation plans for Aspen Institute policy recommendations.
- Host Fall Community Open House; prepare for Spring Town Hall logistics and communications strategy.
- Continue monitoring and reporting on Measure G project milestones.
The City’s Community Relations efforts are evolving to meet the needs of a dynamic and engaged public. Through strategic communication, transparent reporting, and innovative partnerships, we are building a more connected and informed community. Staff will continue to provide updates and seek Council guidance as these initiatives progress.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS:
None
CEQA:
The City Manager has determined that the Recommended Action described in this Staff report is not subject to CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15060 (c).
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
None
NOTIFICATION:
None