The document discusses how municipalities can use social media to engage citizens, increase participation in government, and inform residents about city activities. It provides examples of how cities are using platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and blogs at basic and advanced levels. The document also discusses strategies for developing a social media presence and questions municipalities should consider before getting started.

1. Co-Presenters: Carla Pendergraft Associates Web Design Will Hampton, City of Round Rock

3. Intro to Social Media for Municipalities How municipalities are using social media “ Lite” and Advanced Social Media Questions for Municipalities

4. It’s about conversations and communities It requires a new way of thinking. Push vs. Pull; Telling vs. Asking

5. Facebook – 250 million users, top 10 website MySpace – 110 million users LinkedIn – about 30 million users Twitter – 54 million visits per month YouTube – 70 million videos Flickr – hosts over 2 billion images Blogs – over 200 million And new social communities are added every day.

6. It allows new audiences to engage and connect with your city and its services It increases participation in city government It informs citizens about what the city is doing and why

8. Upcoming Events Video of Past Events City Council videos City photos Level of use: “Facebook Lite” Public Info Office maintains Facebook page Most cities can easily work at this level

10. City News City Events City Services Level of use: Advanced

11. City News – 9/13/09 City Council approves 2009-10 budget, tax rate on first reading Round Rock Fire Department responds to pair of fires Volunteers install flower bed for United We Serve Day of Service City accepting applications for arts funding Book signing celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month at the Library

12. City Events Sept 15 Teen Book Club Sept 15 Ballet Folklorico at the Library Sept 15 Teen Advisory Board Sept 15 Book signing with Don Miles at the Library Sept 15 Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Sept 18 Fairytale Threads Children's Consignment Sale Sept 19 Fairytale Threads Children's Consignment Sale Sept 19 Project Linus Blanket-Maker Meeting

13. City Services Job openings – Browse job openings by category and department Library Catalog - Search for library items such as books & DVDs Staff Directory – City employees by department and last name Service Directory - City services and phone numbers by category Service Request- Report problems such as weedy lots & potholes Round Rock Replay - View City Council and Board and Commission Meetings Rock Enroll - Register for Parks and Recreation programs

15. The Wall Commentary on the new budget from citizens, and an opportunity to answer questions and address specific concerns. Like a micro-blog

16. City Hall - "Decision Points" Library - 5 blogs Projects – Sports Complex Improvement Project Downtown Redevelopment General Plan 2020 Parks and Recreation - 2 blogs

26. All the programs available on the city access TV channel are also offered on YouTube Waco City Cable Channel has its own “channel” on YouTube Viewers can subscribe to the channel so that when new videos are posted, they get a notice

27. Twitter for real-time tracking of crimes in progress Facebook for police departments to post footage of crimes or mug shots of “Most Wanted” Facebook for police departments to post crime prevention videos

28. What are we trying to accomplish? What expertise do we currently have on staff? Which social media will we use to accomplish our goals? Are we prepared to allow questioning of our actions? How will we promote the media we use? Who will be responsible for initiating and maintaining our presence? How do we measure success?

29. Start by listening Saved Twitter search on your city’s name Google alerts on your city’s name Identify creative talent on staff and set them free Don’t let IT staff call the shots Create a policy for what departments will be allowed to start their own presence Prevent brand fragmentation Don’t neglect your core website