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Be an advocate for your city's story. Mayors are often characterized as the <br />ceremonial head of the city. As a result, they are often in the best position <br />to communicate news about the city and city programs. Mayors often <br />communicate the good word through communications with traditional <br />media (such as the local newspaper and local cable television shows), <br />through discussions at council meetings, in city hall forums, in city <br />newsletters, and on city websites. <br />Be honest with constituents. Effective mayors can separate what is <br />desirable from what is possible and communicate this to constituents. It is <br />important to communicate the dilemmas the city faces and real limits <br />(budgetary or otherwise) that may hinder a much -wanted city project such <br />as a new ball field or hockey rink. Honest communications prevent <br />unrealistic expectations on the part of city constituents and encourage <br />them to engage the problem as an active participant alongside the city. <br />Model respect and civility. The mayor is in a unique position as the <br />presiding officer at city council meetings to model meeting decorum, <br />civility, and respect. The mayor should conduct meetings in a manner that <br />encourages open discussion of issues and honest differences of opinion, <br />without the use of personal attacks, name calling or scapegoating. For <br />both council members and citizen participants in city meetings, the mayor <br />can demonstrate that city hall is a safe place to voice one's point of view. <br />Share information freely. The mayor can set the tone for city <br />communications with citizens by communicating in a language that citizens <br />can easily understand. Avoid acronyms and language that only insiders can <br />interpret. Encourage your city council to consider placing public <br />information such as the city code, meeting minutes, council packets, and <br />committee information on the city's website. An informed and educated <br />citizenry is an effective citizenry. <br />Engage citizens as citizens. Cities often focus on providing courteous, <br />prompt, and efficient customer service to their citizens. Employing <br />concepts of customer service is a valuable tool in some instances. <br />However, city residents are more than just customers of the city —they're <br />citizens. Treat them like citizens. The mayor can serve an inspirational role <br />in challenging citizens to think about their own obligations to build and <br />maintain the community. Mayors can advocate for city councils to use <br />surveys to ask citizens for their input or to hold town hall meetings to talk <br />about long-term plans for the city, projects, and priorities. <br />Minnesota <br />Mayors Chapter 1-29 <br />Association <br />