In August 2011, for the second year, the Institute organized and co-presented the course, “Public Engagement: Involving the Community in Decision Making” as a part of the ongoing professional continuing education program offered by the California State Association of Counties’ Institute for Excellence in County Government. The course featured presentations on the benefits of public engagement as well as county strategies and experiences to involve residents in the civic and political life of their communities.

Video clips of Sonoma County Supervisor Efren Carrillo’s and Butte County Director of General Services Tim Snellings’ presentations are below.

“Social Media: How You Can Harness this Powerful New Tool” – Efren Carrillo, Sonoma County Supervisor

Part 1: Introduction to presentation.

Part 2: The importance of understanding your audience for effective public engagement.

Part 3: The value of using social media to connect and engage with the community.

Part 4: Best practices and lessons learned when using social media in public engagement efforts.

“Lessons Learned in Butte County’s General Plan Update Process” – Tim Snellings, Butte County Director of General Services

Part 1: Introduction to the presentation and lessons learned in public engagement efforts with updating Butte County’s General Plan.

Part 2: Completion of lessons learned in public engagement efforts with updating Butte County’s General Plan.