Council directs staff to review communications assessment after consultant urges strategy over volume

Nikki Perry, of Nikki Perry Consulting, presented findings of a communications assessment to the Newman City Council and recommended the city shift from producing large volumes of content to a more strategic, collaborative approach that better targets audiences.

Perry told the council the city has "a very strong organizational culture" and a "well established brand identity," but suggested staff move to a hub-and-spoke model for social media, increase departmental collaboration, and consider adding communications support within police, fire and leisure services. "I do recommend a post certified PIO for your police department," Perry said, adding it would support Chief Blankenship and help publicize positive department activities as well as emergency information.

Perry also recommended auditing the website for accessibility ahead of federal compliance deadlines in 2027, increasing use of online forms, investing in social media archiving, and emphasizing proactive storytelling over sheer volume. "Storytelling is the thing that breaks through all the noise," she said.

After a short question-and-answer period, a council member moved that staff, with the city attorney, review Perry’s recommendations and return to council with proposed actions. The motion passed unanimously.

The council did not adopt any budget changes at the meeting; the mayor described the directive as a request for staff research and recommended any staffing or funding decisions be discussed later in the budget process. The consultant’s written assessment will be available to staff as they draft recommended changes and any ordinance or policy updates.