City launches weekly Neat to Know feature to support public communications

**Medicine Hat, AB **– Recognizing the challenges residents face in finding reliable and timely information amidst an abundance of internet content, the City of Medicine Hat has launched a weekly digital feature, Neat to Know, a communication initiative that will compile significant City-related news into a single, easily accessible link.

"Launching this effort is part of our ongoing strategy to continually improve communications to residents in Medicine Hat,” says Director of Communications, Engagement and Marketing, Colleen Graham. “We have a high volume of information to share with the community, some of which is very complex, yet we know that everyone is inundated with information every day. Neat to Know is not a fix-all, but it is designed to streamline information into one source, offering a singular, weekly digest that makes City news consumable and readily available with one click."

This initiative will compile a weekly digest of key updates from the City of Medicine Hat such as new projects, service disruptions, road closures, arts and culture events, educational features, City Council highlights, and more. Each item will be summarized to highlight the main takeaways, with an option to access more detailed information via a link to the City of Medicine Hat website for those interested in exploring a specific topic further.

Neat to Know will not replace other communication tools like social media posts and feature stories, news releases, and public advisories, but will enhance current efforts by providing a consistent, predictable source of City news and information for residents, ultimately simplifying how they receive and process news in an ever-changing technology landscape.

"As a communication specialist, our team is constantly navigating the complexities of the misinformation age and the evolving landscape of technology, particularly in social media," says Kelli Ireland, corporate communications specialist. "Social media is a primary information source for the public so we need to be constantly adapting our strategies. This involves leveraging new tools and trends, strategically circumventing algorithms, and choosing optimal times and days for posting. The platforms are always changing, and we need to be changing with them.”

Residents can expect to see a weekly edition of Neat to Know on City social media accounts and published on the City website, and can even sign up to have it delivered to their inbox.

Read the first edition of Neat to Know on the City’s news page.

Receive Neat to Know and other City news by signing up to our e-notifications at subscribe.medicinehat.ca. 

-30-

For media inquiries, please contact: media@medicinehat.ca

Read this article on our website.