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File Number: 15-677 <br />platform or forum to convey complex bureaucratic processes and projects, the dedicated staff <br />time that is needed to consistently maintain community outreach platforms, the need to <br />expand multi-lingual communications, and to fully utilize existing platforms. In accordance <br />with City Council direction, the City Manager’s Office filled the previously vacant <br />Administrative Analyst position in August of 2015 to assist with addressing many of these and <br />other communications and community relations needs. <br />By the end of September of 2015, staff from the City Manager’s office had met with each City <br />Council member to solicit their impressions of existing communications efforts, as well as to <br />garner feedback about how these efforts could be improved. Some of the common themes <br />and ideas that came out of those meetings included: <br />·a desire to better coordinate the dissemination of news and information across all <br />departments, using unified voice and branding; <br />·a need to expand outreach in multiple languages; <br />·a desire to reach a broader cross-section of the community; <br />·a desire to facilitate more information sharing amongst local residents, businesses, <br />service clubs, community service organizations and non-profits; <br />·a need to increase citizen participation in governance; <br />·a desire to re-establish a community newsletter <br />Although the City has already established many avenues of communication and outreach, <br />there are more steps that can be taken to expand City efforts. The intent of such efforts is to <br />sharpen the various existing tools as well as implement new strategies that complement them. <br />As a result, City staff developed a number of new proposed initiatives and strategies, which <br />are described below. <br />Communication Initiatives <br />Citywide Public Information Team <br />Like many other public agencies, the City’s current communications ecosystem is <br />department-centric due to the diversity and complexity of the work being done within different <br />segments of the organization. The City Manager’s Office plans to launch a new Public <br />Information Team (“PIT”), which would be comprised of at least one staff member from each <br />city department. PIT will meet on a regular basis to share information and collaborate <br />regarding upcoming initiatives, programs, or events, and to facilitate coordinated messaging <br />across the entire City organization. <br />Special Population Communications <br />San Leandro is rich in cultural and ethnic diversity. According to the latest census data, 49% <br />of San Leandro residents speak a language other than English at home. As a result of these <br />factors, the City already offers real-time translation services via phone (as needed) and at <br />Town Hall and community meetings, Council meetings, and various other Commission and <br />community engagement events. In addition, the City regularly includes notices in Spanish <br />and Chinese at the conclusion of many announcements offering points of contact for further <br />assistance in those languages. <br />Nevertheless, there remains room for expanded assistance in the area of multi-lingual <br />Page 4 City of San Leandro Printed on 12/15/2015