HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 04-07-2026; 7-b - Discussion on Strategic Communications Approaches 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 7, 2026
Action Agenda
Item No. 7-b
SUBJECT: Discussion on Strategic Communications Approaches
DEPARTMENT: Community Relations
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Presentation Wil Glenn, 919-245-2302
PURPOSE: To discuss and consider possible approaches to the County's Strategic
Communications efforts and provide direction to staff.
BACKGROUND: The County formed a Strategic Communications Work Group (Work Group) on
June 17, 2014, as part of a three-phased approach to developing a Strategic Communications
Plan. The original Work Group included the Deputy County Manager, County department
representatives designated by the County Manager, and two members of the Board of
Commissioners. The Work Group met periodically, but also experienced periods of inactivity. The
Work Group, as most recently comprised, included two members of the Board of Commissioners
and the Community Relations Director.
The BOCC discussed the Work Group at its November 11, 2025 work session and agreed by
consensus to sunset the Work Group's work.
This item provides the opportunity for the Board to discuss possible approaches to the County's
Strategic Communications efforts for the future and provide direction to staff.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GUIDING PRINCIPLE — COMMUNICATION AND AWARENESS
We provide information and opportunities for engagement in a transparent manner so that
all in our community have knowledge, understanding, and a voice.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss and consider
possible approaches to the County's Strategic Communications efforts and provide direction to
staff. Potential pathways could include:
• directing the County Manager and staff to provide regular communications updates at
BOCC Business meetings;
• directing the Community Relations staff to create alternative collaborative opportunities
with residents, in alignment with the Strategic Communications and Engagement Plan
currently in development;
• reestablishing a Work Group with designated members and responsibilities; or
• other opportunities as may be proposed.
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ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Strategic Communications
Wil Glenn
Community Relations Director
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Strategic Communications Work Group
• Established in 2014 (Communications Committee)
• Purpose: To develop a Strategic Communications Plan (part of a three-
phased approach)
• Original Work Group Composition :
— Two Members of the Board of Commissioners
— Deputy County Manager
— County Department Representatives (designated by County Manager)
• Most Recent Work Group Composition :
— Two Members of the Board of Commissioners
— Community Relations Director
• Sunset on Nov. 111 2025
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Current Landscape
• The Work Group was Sunset on Nov. 11 , 2025.
• No Formal Communications Advisory Body Currently Exists.
• The Strategic Communications and Engagement Plan (due in June 2026) will
include opportunities to collaborate with residents and gather input on
communications initiatives and functions.
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Strategic Collaboration Options
• Ongoing Community Listening Sessions
— Topic-specific, held throughout the year
— Open to all residents, rotating locations
• Project-Based Stakeholder Groups
— Short-term input groups tied to specific initiatives (e.g., website redesign, bond referendums)
— Disband after project completion
• Periodic Board Updates at BOCC Meetings
— Updates and feedback loops with Commissioners
— Keeps oversight with BOCC rather than a separate body
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Strategic Collaboration Options
(Continued )
• Engagement Tools
— Surveys, polls, and feedback forms integrated into County platforms, events and meetings
— Broader participation without formal structure
Department-Level Engagement
— Direct outreach by departments based on service area needs
— Tailored, subject-matter-specific feedback
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Board Discussion and Direction
Board Discussion and Direction
ORANGE COUNTY