Timely Town News
If you live in a town or community where you believe there’s a lack of communication between the officials who run it and the residents who live in it, it may be time to start – or revamp – a municipal newsletter. A well-written and regularly issued community newsletter provides a forum to share information of interest to all residents, and can help prevent or correct any misperceptions about how the town is run and what its priorities are.
Establish a Process
Every issue of your newsletter should include an interview with the mayor. He or she should always be able to give a timely accounting of what’s on the horizon for your town as well as give an update of significant projects already in progress. It’s also a good idea to have someone attend every city council meeting and report on it.
Residents may also be interested in the activities of the non-profit organizations that make your community a better place to live, such as the local YMCA or significant PTA chapters. Have a regular column to profile a different local business each time you publish. Have an FAQ section for new residents, and don’t forget to add some human interest – announce graduations, engagements, weddings, new babies, etc.
Use Reliable Resources
Online printing companies make great municipal newsletter publishing partners. PrintRunner.com is an online printing company that will help you publish your newsletter, plus they offer a suite of mailing services if you need them. They can print, address and mail your newsletter in as little as 5 days. Their online tools are simple to use, or you can easily contact their friendly and very knowledgeable in-house customer service representatives.
