Communications Subcommittee

Meetings on the 4th Thursday of the month at 8:15 p.m.

Scope

The Communications Sub-committee is focused on the clear and consistent communication of the purpose and activities of the Regional Planning Commission. Relevant roles and functions include:

• Serving as a “clearinghouse” for communications with the outside world;
• Identifying creative mechanisms to widely disseminate information;
• Soliciting public input and engagement in the planning process; and
• Communicating proactively with the media.

Clearinghouse for External Communications : The intent is to provide clear and consistent information in external communications from the Planning Commission. In general, the Communications Sub-committee and the Commission Chairman will be the principal points of communication.

Widely Disseminate Information : The intent is to promote broad awareness of the planning process. A wide range of audiences have been identified, including the County Board, interest groups, local governments, the media and the general public. A range of communication vehicles also are being identified, including press release, website, newsletter, and listserve.

Solicit Public Input and Engagement : The purpose is to enhance public participation and buy-in to the planning process. Various vehicles will be considered, including utilization of existing surveys such as Imagine McHenry County, invitations to participate on sub-committees, and public forums to review preliminary plan recommendations.

Proactive Media Communication : The intent is to proactively and routinely provide messages and news to the media and to minimize unnecessary reporting of perceived controversies. Regular press releases will be developed and disseminated to the media, as well as to an extensive contact list via listserve and mailings.

Sub-committee Participants

The Communications Sub-committee includes four members of the Regional Planning Commission and a liaison to the County Board.

Jim Coughlin

Dennis Dreher (Chair)

Bill Swenson

RB Thompson

John Jung, Liaison to County Board

In addition, the Sub-committee may invite other individuals with an interest and expertise in communications to expand the knowledge and broaden the perspective of the group.

Communications Goals and Objectives

Goal:

A public, County Board and media that are clearly and routinely informed on the mission, purpose, activities and recommendations of the McHenry County Regional Planning Commission.

Objectives:

1. Provide consistent and accurate information on a regular and timely basis.

2. Promote broad awareness of, and participation in the planning process to facilitate buy-in and support for the resultant plan.

3. Be proactive (versus reactive) in communicating with the press.

4. Communicate to a broad countywide audience, including the County Board, other elected and appointed officials, representative interest groups, the media and members of the general public.

5. Communicate through a variety of traditional and innovative media approaches.

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