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
Oakland, CA streamlines public reporting of vehicle break-ins with @OaklandAutoBurg pilot
The Oakland Police Department reported a 36% increase in locked vehicle break-ins from 2022 to 2023. An October 2023 weekend pilot asked residents to report suspicious behavior or attempted break-ins to @OaklandAutoBurg on Instagram and X. Police staff monitored the accounts and forwarded relevant information to foot patrols. The @OaklandAutoBurg reporting accounts may be used in the future as complements to deterrence methods like decoys and aerial monitoring.
Oakland, 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
Lethbridge, AB generates interest in organic waste collection with Curbside Enthusiasm Contest
Lethbridge began weekly organic waste pickups for 33,000 households in May 2023. The city seeks participation in the program through the month-long contest. Weekly challenges are posted to the city's website and Facebook page. Participants submit photos of completed challenges and their utility ID numbers through the 311 Chat tool. There are weekly sustainable prize drawings and a random drawing for 10 CA$500 gift cards to local businesses for those completing all weekly challenges.
Lethbridge, AB
Canada
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
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
Lloydminster, AB/SK produces animated videos explaining the intricacies of city services
Lloydminster added six animated videos to its YouTube channel. The videos provide overviews of services like street sweeping, winter road maintenance, and curbside collection. Each video explains how the service is provided, its value to the public, and tips for resident interactions. City officials designed the series to answer frequently asked questions and highlight returns on public spending.
Lloydminster, AB/SK
Canada
Oneonta, AL TikTok account highlights city operations and community attractions in entertaining ways
The city of 6,800 residents was not active on social media prior to the creation of its TikTok account in 2021. A series called Mayor Shenanigans takes a humorous approach to the mayor's interactions with city staff. Followers learn about new projects like the aquatic facility that opened in May 2022. Walking tours of local shops and community events promote Oneonta to an international audience. This effort attracted 117,000 followers in the account's first 18 months.
Oneonta, AL
United States
Leeds City Council, GB #Binfluencer campaign seeks creative videos from local recycling advocates
Local officials identified 13% of general waste bin items that could be recycled in green bins. The #Binfluencer campaign seeks resident-made videos and animations promoting green bin use in creative ways. Each submission should be up to two minutes long with selected projects posted to city social media accounts. Leeds City Council and project partner HW Martin offer cash rewards to winners in the Under 18, Over 18, and Over 60 age categories.
Leeds City Council, GB
United Kingdom
Rossendale Borough Council, GB seeks recycling rate gains with Check Before You Chuck campaign
The borough's 30% recycling rate falls far short of the national average of 46%. Check Before You Chuck reinforces recycling best practices among residents of four pilot zones through bin stickers and brochures. QR codes on signage throughout the program area lead to shareable graphics about recycling contamination, quizzes, and animations. Borough officials are recruiting residents as Binfluencers for social media posts about their experiences with the three-bin system.
Rossendale Borough Council, GB
United Kingdom
Minneapolis, MN integrates Serving Communities. Building Careers. message into recruitment efforts
City officials developed this recruiting message to emphasize the public in public service. The phrase "Serving Communities. Building Careers." is included on the city jobs website, social media posts, and ads. The Jobs at the City website includes a "Why work at the City" page emphasizing diverse workplace culture and growth opportunities. A video series reinforces the value of public service through interviews with city employees.
Minneapolis, MN
United States
Denver, CO attracts new talent for public jobs with its Be a Part of the City that You Love campaign
The City and County of Denver conducted market research on the needs of new and experienced professionals. The resulting recruitment campaign started with videos emphasizing three themes: making a difference, creating connections, and building a future. Social media posts, transit ads, and other recruiting assets emphasized opportunities for growth as well as Denver's high quality of life. Campaign leaders aimed for applicants of all experience levels in an applicant-friendly market.
Denver, CO
United States