Public Information Office plans expanded outreach with limited FY27 changes; staff to partner with community groups

Council staff presented the County Executive’s FY27 recommendation for the Office of Public Information (PIO) as a same-services budget with modest compensation and nondiscretionary changes. The recommended package included a net decrease and a note that PIO received an ORESJ rating of 4 out of 11, indicating an emergent commitment to advancing racial equity and social justice.

Miss Anderson, representing PIO, said staff are implementing an internal RESJ workplan, increasing required trainings, and planning hands-on RESJ collaborations with other small departments, including the Office of Intergovernmental Relations and the Office of Community Partnerships, to improve outreach to underserved communities.

"We want to find a way to get deeper into neighborhood newsletters or church newsletters," Miss Anderson said, adding that PIO will pursue nontraditional and free media due to limited budget and work with regional service directors and liaisons to reach communities that do not follow county social media channels.

Council members asked about PIO staffing; Miss Anderson reported 17.5 full-time equivalent positions. Members commended the office’s work and emphasized the importance of RESJ efforts for the county’s public face.

What’s next: Council staff recommended concurring with the Executive’s FY27 PIO budget; PIO will continue implementing its RESJ workplan and deepen partnerships for community outreach.