CMM Communication & Public Engagement Flashcards

Which communication model best describes the two-way interactive relationship between municipal government and its residents?

Answer: Two-way symmetrical model

The two-way symmetrical model emphasizes dialogue and mutual adjustment between the government and the public, treating communication as a genuine exchange.

What is the primary legal purpose of state open meetings laws (sunshine laws) for municipal governments?

Answer: To ensure that deliberations and decisions of public bodies are accessible to the public

Open meetings laws require that meetings of public bodies be conducted in public with proper notice, ensuring governmental transparency and accountability.

Which public engagement technique involves randomly selected residents who deliberate together on a complex policy issue over multiple sessions?

Answer: Citizens' jury or deliberative poll

A citizens' jury uses a randomly selected, representative sample of residents who hear expert testimony and deliberate to produce informed recommendations.

In crisis communication, what principle states that officials should communicate early, even with incomplete information, to fill the information vacuum?

Answer: Get ahead of the story

Getting ahead of the story means proactively releasing available information early so that rumor and misinformation do not fill the void left by silence.

What is the term for a communications strategy that uses multiple channels — social media, print, broadcast, and in-person — to reach different audience segments?

Answer: Multi-channel engagement strategy

A multi-channel engagement strategy intentionally selects and coordinates diverse communication channels to reach residents across varying demographics and preferences.

Which federal law governs public access to records held by federal agencies, with many states having parallel laws applying to municipal governments?

Answer: Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

FOIA grants the public the right to request access to federal government records, and most states have analogous laws extending similar rights to local government records.