EP #109: Communities role in government communications
On this episode of the GovComms Podcast, contentgroup CEO David Pembroke speaks to Communications Manager for the city of Tigard and one of the founders of ELGL, Kent Wyatt .
Located in Portland Oregon, Kent Wyatt has been working in local governments for over 18 years with positions ranging from management analyst, legislative analyst and now, communications.
In this conversation, David and Kent discuss the importance of local governments and how their immediate impact is detrimental to the well-being of the community. The pair discuss the belief that individuals have a larger suspicion of governments in the US over that of other nations.
Kent also explains that ‘new blood’ in communications is imperative to have in government sectors. There is a need to use these new talents as a means of reaching all aspects of the community especially in the age of COVID-19.
Following on from this, Kent discusses how a ballot measure aimed at providing funding for parks and recreation forced a shift in his local government's tactics in reaching communities. Through technology and more engaging content such as interviews, YouTube, podcasts and Facebook Live.
The podcast ends with David and Kent chatting about how Kent has adapted new communication abilities to meet rising content marketing demands. As well as discussing the importance of trust between Governments and communicators.
Discussed in this episode:
- How can relationships be built-in communications?
- What can we learn from the pandemic through the lens of local governments?
- The importance of communities in government communications.
About the Author
Kent Wyatt is the ELGL Co-founder & City of Tigard communications Manager. In 2010 Kent founded ELGL to help tell the stories about the people, ideas, trends, and approaches in local government. As part of this storytelling, Kent assists ELGL in writ...