CMM Communication & Public Engagement Flashcards

What is a key advantage of conducting an online resident survey compared to a traditional mail survey for municipal engagement?

Answer: Online surveys typically lower cost and allow faster data collection

Online surveys reduce printing and postage costs and allow for near-real-time data collection, though they may under-represent residents without internet access.

Which communication approach is recommended when a city manager must deliver negative news, such as a service reduction, to the public?

Answer: Communicate transparently and early, providing context and rationale

Transparent, timely communication with clear rationale helps maintain public trust and reduces speculation, even when the news is unfavorable.

What is the primary role of a municipal public information officer (PIO)?

Answer: To serve as the official spokesperson and manage communications between government and the public

The PIO manages the government's public communications, coordinates media relations, and ensures consistent and accurate messaging to residents and press.

Which engagement ladder concept, developed by Sherry Arnstein, distinguishes between tokenism and genuine citizen power?

Answer: Ladder of citizen participation

Arnstein's Ladder of Citizen Participation categorizes participation from manipulation (bottom rungs) through tokenism to citizen control (top rungs), highlighting power dynamics.

When a municipality uses social media to engage residents, which practice best supports ADA accessibility compliance?

Answer: Adding alt-text descriptions to images and captions to videos

Alt-text for images and captions for videos make social media content accessible to residents using screen readers or who are deaf or hard of hearing.

What is the benefit of using a Community Engagement Index (CEI) or similar metric for a municipal government?

Answer: It quantifies the level and quality of resident participation to track engagement trends over time

A Community Engagement Index provides measurable data on participation rates and quality, allowing governments to assess whether their outreach strategies are effective.