Council backs beefed-up communications, considers AI tools and a permanent public-information role

Councilors at the retreat pushed staff to make communications a clear deliverable in the FY27 goals after staff reported weak turnout for outreach on a large Snowy Range Road water project and inconsistent awareness among downtown businesses.

Owen, identified in the record as the acting public information officer, was singled out for his recent work and council discussed moving toward a funded PIO position. “It’s important that we maintain and secure a public information officer who Owen’s been doing a fantastic job as our acting public information officer,” a council speaker said while describing the communication goals for permit-focused outreach.

Councilors proposed a mix of tactics: in-person flyer drops and business visits for major projects; targeted digital ads and public meetings; and visual, centralized kiosks or displays in high-traffic city-owned spaces (First Street plaza, Washington Park) to reach people who are not online. Several councilors also urged improved website searchability and exploration of AI-driven search or chat tools to make forms and public information easier to find.

Staff said some modest budget requests for AI and website research may be included in future materials and confirmed one-year allocations to continue the acting PIO role. Council asked staff to convert communications goals into tangible deliverables and to track volunteer and outreach metrics for periodic reporting.

Council concluded the discussion by directing the City Manager's Office to add specific communication deliverables to the FY27 materials and to consider both digital and on-the-ground approaches that residents can rely on for timely notice of major street and utility work.