City of Upper Arlington, Ohio

The role of Community Affairs is to promote and communicate all facets of the Upper Arlington community and its local government with key publics, as well as to encourage citizen participation in community projects and issues that will enhance the quality of life and build resident and business pride and satisfaction.

Projects and functions overseen by Community Affairs include but are not limited to:

• Media Liaison - The office maintains a centralized information center responsible for coordinating community relations, public affairs and media relations activities.  Staff members serve as the primary liaisons for day-to-day interaction with reporters, and oversee the release of information to media.

• External Publications - Community Affairs is responsible for the planning, development, design, editorial content and production of all City publications.  This includes the quarterly City Insight resident newsletter, the Resident Guide, Annual Report and Popular Annual Financial Report, Parks & Recreation program catalogs, all department service brochures and materials, and special reports/publications as needed.

• City Website - The office manages the planning, framework, development and implementation of the City's website and is responsible for the training and oversight of contributions to the site by various departments.

• Outreach Vehicles - In order to communicate effectively with residents and other targeted audiences, the office utilizes a variety of outreach vehicles, including: print and e-newsletters; media releases and advisories; editorials; e-mail blasts; project fact sheets; speeches; letters and flyers; advertisements; TV community bulletin board; postings on ourUA.org; public service announcements and a monthly news show on WUAR Radio.

• Internal Communications - The office oversees many internal communications vehicles to the organization's employees in order to ensure Staff is kept up-to-date on projects and programs, and can relay that information to residents as required, as well as to maintain a cohesive, productive and positive organizational environment built upon the City's values.

• Special Events - Community Affairs is responsible for the planning and implementation of the annual State of City Address and Community Awards program.  The office assists other departments in numerous special events and ceremonies, providing marketing advice and support, and event planning assistance as required.  Community Affairs also serves as event liaison for coordinating City services for various community events such as the Civic Association's Fourth of July celebrations, and the Chamber's Taste of UA event.

• Community Liaison - The office is actively involved in a number of community organizations that enrich Upper Arlington's quality of life, including: Volunteer UA (founding partner); public relations committee for the Upper Arlington Community Foundation; oversee the year-round Live in UA? Shop in UA! awareness campaign with the Chamber; public relations and retail committees for the Chamber; Board representation on the Central Ohio Public Information Network (COPIN).

• Community Surveys - Community Affairs manages the planning and implementation of a broad-based community survey, typically conducted every three-to-four years, as well as assisting with other more targeted surveys as required.
  

• Graphic Standards - The office oversees the planning, development and oversight of all graphic standards needs for the City to ensure a professional and consistent image.