Intergovernmental and External Relations Counties

Transcript:Intergovernmental and External Relations Counties:
Intergovernmental and External Relations Counties and Other Local Governments County/city relationships Highways, fire protections, water, and sewer services Public health districts Get to know fellow elected officials, key staff, and decision makers Who has the influence? A staff member? The district clerk? This person can be your best friend! Counties and the Executive Branch Develop relationships with the Governor and key staff/agency heads The executive branch interprets and implements statute via state agencies (and rule) ITD, Tax Commission, Public Defense Commission, Dept. of Lands, Fish & Game, Parks & Rec, Dept. of Ag, etc. Counties need to engage in administrative rule making and with agency heads Counties and the Legislature The legislature holds your fate Counties are instruments of the state The legislature directs what you can and can’t do (but not necessarily how you do it) Building and Sustaining Close Relationships Communicate regularly Commit to working through problems together Compromise where appropriate Establish County Priorities What is your county’s relationship with the external stakeholder? Why do you need to work together? What does your county need to be successful? Examples: Revise area of city impact Maintain a joint bridge New county courthouse Educate, Educate, Educate Take time to educate your external partners on what your county does, what your county priorities are, and what your county needs to be successful. Track County Priorities/Measure Effectiveness Once you’ve adopted a county priority, how will you measure success? Data Benchmarks Engagement with key stakeholders and decision makers Develop a system of accountability and hold yourself accountable for the outcomes Grassroots Engagement Your county is more than you, your fellow elected officials, and your county employees. Amplify your voice by engaging and educating your constituents of your county’s needs. Enlist them in your advocacy efforts. Social Media Develop a social media policy and follow it Develop a social media strategy and follow it Tell your county story Know your audience Designate staff Track engagement You don’t have to engage with everyone Media Relations Be calm and professional Never lie Don’t say it if you don’t want it published Always assume someone is listening/your being recorded Gather data/be prepared for questions (if you don’t know, you don’t know, ask for more time) Kill the story - take ownership by solving the problem Success Stories How have you engaged with external stakeholders to advance the interests of your county? Questions?