Inner West, NSW aims problem waste disposal message at young residents with The CRC Rap
Council officials pursued a creative solution to the disproportionally low use of Community Recycling Centres (CRCs) by residents aged 18 to 34. A Recovery Projects Officer wrote lyrics for the song with staff from council teams participating in the rap. The CRC Rap highlights how the St. Peters and Leichhardt CRCs handle problem waste like electronic devices, paints, and batteries. Inner West placed the full song on its CRC page with a shorter version for social media posts.
Inner West, NSW
Australia
San Antonio, TX introduces Talkin' Broadway chatbot for improved outreach during construction
A one-year contract with Hello Lamp Post resulted in a chatbot specific to the city's Lower Broadway improvements. Visitors text Hello SA 3 to 210-802-2265 or scan QR codes on sidewalk signage to start conversations in English or Spanish. Talkin' Broadway answers questions about planned closures, directs users to affected businesses, and accepts feedback for city review. The chatbot generates anonymized sentiment data helpful in shaping future outreach efforts.
San Antonio, TX
United States
Stafford County, VA develops Ask Blu platform for enhanced public communication and customer service
The Ask Blu platform features an AI-powered chatbot for around-the-clock answers to questions about public services. The chatbot and a mobile app are available for service requests through the county's 311 system. Additional resources in the platform include location-specific newsletters about county services and the Blu's Academy suite of citizen education videos. Local officials used the Great Blue Heron as the platform's mascot because of community efforts to protect their nests.
Stafford County, VA
United States
Berkeley, CA works with Genasys on targeted communication system for emergency situations
First responders in Berkeley previously used door-to-door contact for emergency evacuations. The city's partnership with Genasys adopted a zonal approach for TV, social media, and text alerts. City officials use a cloud-based platform to alert impacted residents during natural disasters and public safety situations. The platform models future movement of wildfires, active shooters, and other hazards for more accurate alerts throughout emergencies.
Berkeley, CA
United States
Durham County Council, GB develops new councilor training for social media abuse and threats
Council officials identified increasingly abusive behavior toward council members on social media. New members receive training from the council's legal department on the code of conduct and positive social media use. Communications team members walk trainees through account management and reporting mechanisms for inappropriate comments. Durham County Council integrated guidance from organizations like the Society of Local Council Clerks into its training curriculum.
Durham County Council, GB
United Kingdom
Prince George, BC responds to misinformation about municipal operations with City Fact Check page
City staff identifies sources of disinformation and misinformation via user submission or trending topics on social media. Each fact check responds to the question with clear explanations of city policy, relevant documents, and historical data. The first round of fact checks covers topics like over-budget capital projects, staff salary increases, and asbestos in water pipes.
Prince George, BC
Canada
Solano County, CA integrates Zonehaven AWARE platform into its emergency response system
Zonehaven AWARE maintains a database and map of emergency evacuation zones across Solano County. Residents search their addresses for zone names, current emergency status, and updates. The platform also supports alert subscriptions for real-time updates from the county's Office of Emergency Services. Municipal and county officials promoted resident knowledge of their home, school, and work zones during the Know Your Zone campaign.
Solano County, CA
United States
Aarhus, DK encourages active travel during the winter season with cycle path condition texts
A network of 40 temperature sensors was installed along six cycling routes throughout Aarhus. Residents can opt into a free text service with updates on route conditions. Automated texts encourage cyclists to commute using their preferred routes when weather conditions are favorable. The city's Weather Service uses temperature data and weather forecasts when recommending path use. This trial evaluates how Aarhus can increase safe bike use in cold weather.
Aarhus, DK
Denmark
Welland, ON informs voters about the impacts of local elections with its Elections 101 video series
Welland's communications team produced the six-episode series ahead of municipal elections on October 24, 2022. Short videos explain how local services like winter operations and emergency services are shaped by the city council rather than provincial or federal elected officials. Elections 101 was designed for all residents with a focus on first-time voters and new residents. City officials promoted the series on social media prior to the election in hopes of boosting turnout.
Welland, ON
Canada
Welland, ON produces What's Up Welland? podcast for improved engagement with public services
What's Up Welland? is a weekly podcast exploring the ins and outs of the local community. The 43-episode first season began with a chat about the upcoming year with the mayor. Municipal employees were interviewed about topics like water treatment, proxy voting, and civil infrastructure. The podcast hosts also explored visiting attractions like the Femmes du Feu Creations circus and local fixtures like the Jackfish baseball team.
Welland, ON
Canada
Bega Valley, NSW partners with Compostable Kate on social media videos about FOGO best practices
Bega Valley worked with social media influencer Kate Flood on a series of videos about FOGO bin use. Short videos about what goes in and what stays out of green bins reinforce recent messaging by the NSW Environment Protection Authority. Compostable Kate also shares tips on keeping FOGO bins clean and odor-free during regular use. The project was funded by the state's Scrap Together program with videos posted across the council's social media pages.
Bega Valley, NSW
Australia
Boulder, CO enhances communications during emergency situations with Zonehaven AWARE platform
Boulder and Zonehaven divided the city into 43 zones on an interactive map. First responders update each zone with localized information during emergency situations. Residents consult their Zonehaven AWARE zones for shelters, evacuation routes, and other instructions. Local officials include a link to the mapping tool within emergency notification texts. The city views the map as a complementary resource for timely information during natural and man-made emergencies.
Boulder, CO
United States