1 3-26-26
C I T Y O F A L H A M B R A
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE
ALHAMBRA CITY COUNCIL
(Notice No. N2M26-33)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of the Alhambra City Council will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, commencing at 9:00 a.m., in Ruth Reese Hall of the Alhambra Civic Center Library, 101 South First Street, Alhambra, California, pursuant to the order of the Mayor of the City of Alhambra, the Alhambra City Charter, the Alhambra Municipal Code, and Section 54956 of the Government Code of the State of California.
An agenda of such special meeting is attached hereto incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof as though fully set forth herein.
LAUREN MYLES, CMC
CITY CLERK
Dated: March 25, 2026
Notice No. N2M26-33
2 3-26-26
AGENDA
ALHAMBRA CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Ruth Reese Hall, Alhambra Civic Center Library
101 South First Street
March 26, 2026
9:00 a.m.
MISSION STATEMENT
The City of Alhambra is dedicated to responsive, creative leadership and quality services, ensuring desirable neighborhoods and a supportive business environment, while being sensitive to the diversity of our community.
Watch and listen to the meeting as follows:
Zoom Webinar direct link:
https://cityofalhambra-org.zoom.us/j/83272774142?pwd=FjM2TUSmCGR4LHOn5GKyERT9LFaOio.1 Webinar ID: 832 7277 4142, Passcode: 281050
Or by telephone by dialing (833) 548 -0276 (Toll Free) or (833) 548 -0282 (Toll Free) or (877) 853-5257 (Toll Free) or (888) 475 -4499 (Toll Free) and entering Webinar ID: 832 7277 4142 and Passcode: 281050. Please Note: All members of the public calling or logging into the meeting will be muted so that the meeting can proceed. If there are technical difficulties with Zoom during the meeting, the meeting will proceed regardless.
Addressing the Council:
In person: Section 2.04.210 of the Alhambra Municipal Code establishes the procedures for addressing the Council. Any person wishing to address the Council during the meeting should complete a Speaker Request Card and submit it to the City Clerk so the City Council knows you wish to speak. When called upon by the presiding officer, please step to the microphone.
Via Zoom or Telephone: “Raise your hand” - Members of the public using may speak by using the “Raise Hand” function during the public comments portion for the item if on Zoom or telephone. Staff will unmute speakers participating via Zoom or telephone and announce your name when it is your time to speak. When calling in using a telephone press *9 to raise your hand and press *6 to unmute yourself when called.
The maximum time for addressing the Council is 5 minutes for each agendized item.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
ROLL CALL:
COUNCIL: LEE, MAZA, WANG, ANDRADE-STADLER, MALONEY
3 3-26-26
CITY CLERK REPORT - NOTICE NO. N2M26-33
The City Clerk hereby reports that she duly gave notice of the Special Meeting of the City Council being held this morning pursuant to the order of the Mayor and in accordance with Section 54956 of the Government Code of the State of California.
1. CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION – F2M26-27
The City Council, City Manager, Department Heads and Facilitator William Kelly, President/CEO of Kelly Associates Management Group, held a strategic planning session on March 3, 2026 to review and update the City’s Strategic Plan adopted in 2025. The Draft Strategic Plan contains six Goals, defined as follows: Goal 1: Enhance Public Safety; Goal 2: Improve Infrastructure and Mobility; Goal 3: Create a Strong Financial Base and Strong Economic Base (Economic Development); Goal 4: Enhance Transparency and Open Governance; Goal 5: Promote Sustainability; and, Goal 6:
Improve Housing Opportunities, and an Implementation Plan to provide details and metrics to monitor the Plan. The City Council will review, clarify and discuss the updates to finalize the 2026 Strategic Plan.
ADJOURNMENT: If three (3) or more Council Members choose not to participate in Item No. 2 (Media Communications Training), the meeting will be adjourned. If a quorum of the Council elects to participate in Item No. 2, the meeting will continue.
2. MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS TRAINING – F2M26-16
Mr. Paul Omodt of Omodt and Associates will present information and provide training for City Council Members on the topic of navigating media communications.
ADJOURNMENT: The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Alhambr a City Council will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026, in the Alhambra City Hall Council Chambers, 111 South First Street, Alhambra, California, commencing at 6:00 p.m.
N O T I C E
Agenda Items: Copies of the staff reports or other written documentation relating to the items listed on this agenda are on file with the City Clerk in Alhambra City Hall, located at 111 South First Street, Alhambra, California, and are available for inspection during regular office hours, Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. If you would like to sign-up to receive the City Council meeting agenda and staff reports packet, please visit the City’s website at www.alhambraca.gov and you will be able to submit your email address on the homepage to the subscription service. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.5(b), materials related to agenda items for regular meetings of the Alhambra City Council that are distributed less than 72 hours prior to that meeting, will be made available for public inspection at the Alhambra City Clerk’s Office.
Americans with Disabilities Act: If you require special assistance to participate in any City meeting (including assisted listening devices), please contact the City Clerk's Office at (626) 570-
4 3-26-26
5090. Notification of at least 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.
Translation Services Requests: If you require translation services in order to participate in a meeting please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (626) 570-5090. All requests for translation services shall be made by 4 p.m. the Thursday prior to the City Council meeting. If translation is not requested by 4 p.m. the Thursday prior to the City Council meeting, staff will try to accommodate the request if possible.
LAUREN MYLES, CMC
CITY CLERK
March 26, 2026
ALHAMBRA CITY COUNCIL
2026 STRATEGIC PLAN
Goal 1: Enhance Public Safety
Goal 2: Improve Infrastructure and Mobility
Go al 3: Create a Strong Financial Base and Strong Economic Base (Economic Development) Goal 4: Enhance Transparency and Open Governance
Goal 5: Promote Sustainability
Goal 6: Improve Housing Opportunities
Completion Timeframe:
Short term - 1 year
Mid term - 1-3 years
Long term - 3+ years
**Items carried over from 2023-25 Strategic Plans
2 Goal 1: Enhance Public Safety
Objective
Number
Department Objective Description Completion
Timeframe
Status Funding
**
1.1 PD & FD Public Education:
Community Academy
(PD):
1 annually
CERT Program (FD):
2 annually
Safety Fair (PD & FD):
1 annually
Enhance Neighborhood
Watch Programs (PD):
10-25 annually.
Ongoing Collect data on how many attendees
Community Academy (English) – March 2025; 15
graduates.
Youth Academy – June 2025; 16 graduates
Community Academy (Mandarin) – September 2025;
9 graduates
2 CERT programs were completed for 2025
Spring (English); 14 graduated
Fall (Mandarin); 12 graduated
The Annual Safety Fair was held on Sept. 28, 2025.
13 NW meetings were conducted in 2025.
2/4/25 – 15 attendees
3/16/25 – 20-25 attendees
4/16/25 – 27 attendees
4/23/25 – 80 attendees
4/27/25 – 21 attendees
5/2/25 – 10 attendees
5/15/25 – 11 attendees
5/17/25 – 21 attendees
5/29/25 – 16 attendees
5/30/25 – 12 attendees
5/31/25 – 9 attendees
10/4/25 – 25 attendees
12/11/25 – 4 attendees
Funded &
Underway
3 Increase Coffee with a
Cop event to include
evening meetings (PD):
5 annually
Add safety videos and
safety preparedness
checklists to the City
Website (earthquake,
fire, power outages etc.).
6 “Coffee with a Cop” events were held in 2025.
9/29/25 Granada Elementary School
10/7/25 Sierra School of Alhambra
10/23/25 Emery Park School
City website has been updated with checklists and
important information on what to do in emergency
situations. (alhambraca.gov/197/safety-tips)
Tips and links include but not limited to: electrical
safety, seasonal safety, wildfire preparedness,
earthquake safety, emergency and disaster
resources, how to shut off your natural gas.
**
1.2 PW & U Create a Street Light
Master Plan for citywide
LED conversion
Short term Masterplan is underway; consultant is taking inventory of all streetlights in the City. A complete
report is expected to be submitted in Summer 2026.
Funded &
Underway
1.3 MS Create a Council
subcommittee to discuss
Immigration concerns
Short term Funded
1.4 PW Facilitate
communication with SCE
to encourage better
outreach with
community.
Short term Funded
1.5 P&R Research the installation
of cameras at Almansor
Park.
Mid term An estimate for 6 cameras at static locations with cloud storage for 1 year is approximately $100,000.
Unfunded
1.6 MS Research infrastructure
to deter crime.
Mid term Staff is researching and can provide a report before Summer 2026.
Funded
4 Goal 2: Improve Infrastructure and Mobility
Objective
Number
Department Objective Description Completion
Timeframe
Status Funding
**
2.1 PW and MS Continue planning and
outreach efforts for the
710 Projects, including
the 710 Arterial Project
(stub), and Fremont/10
freeway project
- Create a
subcommittee to
work with elected
State officials and
review status of
project
- Send a
clarification letter
to CalState LA
about project
- Updated cost
estimates
- Pros and cons of
switching project
- Rationale for why
Fremont is first
- Set up a meeting
with Caltrans
Long term Underway
**
2.2 PW and MS Secure funding for
installation of Bike/Ped
Plan recommendations.
Short term
&
Long term
• The RFP for design/ engineering for the eight
priority pedestrian improvement locations
under the City’s Bike/Ped Plan will be
Funded &
Underway
5 released in Spring 2026 (funding from
Measure R 710).
• The City was recently awarded $4.45M from
to design the City’s backbone bike network.
A Cooperative Agreement with Metro is
expected by Summer 2026.
• The City was recently awarded $400,000
from Measure A LA County Regional Park and
Open Space for the design of the Front Street
Greenway Project
Funded
(for design)
and
Underway
Funded
(for design)
**
2.3 P&R & PW Expand Greenspace
throughout the
community
Mid term
Ongoing
• The contract was awarded for Story Park;
lead abatement will be complete in
February 2026 with pre-construction walk
through scheduled for March 2026.
• The Burke Park project, which is
concurrent with Measure W Water Grant
for stormwater capture project is at 90%
design.
• Poppy Park NIB for Council’s approval will
move forward in Spring 2026.
• Alhambra Dog Park location is currently
being soil tested per the County. Results
expected in 4-6 weeks to determine if the
project will move forward.
Partially
Funded &
Underway
**
2.4 P&R Explore funding for the
full buildout of the
Community Center
Mid term Contracts have been awarded and construction
has begun.
Funded &
Underway
**
2.5 P&R
Continue to support
Open Streets events
Continuous The Pumpkin Run is scheduled for October 2026 and the next Mission to Mission event is
scheduled for February 27, 2028.
Funded &
Underway
6 **
2.6 PW&U Water System
Infrastructure Master
Plan
Long term Agreement is in place and draft master plan is expected in Summer 2026.
Funded &
Underway
**
2.7 PW & U Address traffic
concerns and provide
follow-up
Complete Council approved Traffic Calming Guidelines and residents are now able to submit requests for
traffic calming measures. To date, 17 requests
have been submitted and staff continues to
process accordingly.
FY 25-26
$500K
UTD:
$71K
Exp -26
$150K
**
2.8 PW and MS Secure funds to
improve 9 City Bridges
over the Union Pacific
Rail Road locations for
seismic reinforcement.
Long term 11.5% match is required for improvements under the LA County Bridge Program. The match can
be met using state or local transportation funds.
Staff is working with City Engineer to assist with
coordination with LA County and to determine,
based on the latest inspection reports, the bridge
repair costs and timelines.
Unfunded
**
2.9 CD Explore the acquisition
of the International
Extrusion site, or a
portion adjacent to
Emery Park
- Appraisal of site
Mid term The Charles Company verbally agreed to staff to square off the Park.
Staff is monitoring the CA Natural Resources
Agency’s Urban Greening Grant Program for
funding for land acquisition. The grant release
date is expected by June 2026.
Unfunded
Unfunded
**
2.10 CD & MS
PW & U
Development of City
Branding, including
new wayfinding
signage and painting of
the overpasses
Short term Study by consultant is needed to determine
unique design/theme, logo, color palette, or
similar specifications, based on distinguishing
City characteristics such as history, culture, or
vision. Estimated study cost $50,000.
Unfunded
7 **
2.11 HR
Seismic vulnerability
assessment of City
facilities
Mid term The City currently has flood and earthquake
insurance; however, no discount is offered for
seismic retrofitting.
A Seismic Vulnerability Assessment Report to be
prepared on critical city facilities, which include
City Hall, Police Dept, four (4) fire stations, city
reservoirs, one groundwater treatment plant and
the City’s Corporate Yard, is estimated at
$160,000.
Unfunded
Goal 3: Create a Strong Financial Base and Strong Economic Base (Economic Development) Objective
Number
Department Objective
Description
Completion
Timeframe
Status Funding
**
3.1 CD Develop an Economic
Development Action
Plan
Short term The Draft Action Plan is complete and went to Council in January 2026. Public outreach meetings
were conducted on 2/18/26 and 2/25/26, with
input expected to be presented to Council in
Summer 2026.
Funded &
Underway
**
3.2 CD Attract more jobs
with livable wages
Continuous Staff will reach out to AUSD and PCC about
collaboration on trade education programs and
workforce development opportunities.
Funded &
Underway
**
3.3 CD
Finance
CA
Conduct a Council
Study Session to
explore:
Downtown Alhambra
Business Association
(DABA) boundaries
Short term
A RFP for a PBID consultant was released and is
due back by 3/19/26.
Funded &
Underway
Included
in Study
8 DABA increased fee
assessment
Council sub-
committee(s) for
Economic
Development
“Micro Grant”
program
“Business
Recognition”
program
Incentives for brick-
and-mortar
businesses
“Shop Local”
program
Subcommittee was established; Members are
Mayor Jeff Maloney and Councilmember Ross
Maza.
cost of
item (a).
No cost &
Underway
Unfunded
Unfunded
Unfunded
Unfunded
**
3.4 Finance Strategize to reduce
the City’s pension
liability
Continuous Assess reduction in monthly/yearly payment with a $2M principal payment and bring back alternative
options.
Unknown
**
3.5 Finance Increase City reserves
to 30%
Continuous Staff will research other Cities Reserve Policies. Unknown
3.6 P&R
MS
2028 Olympics
opportunities
Mid term Monitor options for participation
- Chamber of Commerce collaboration
- Welcome Banners
- Olympic Zone
Unfunded
3.7 CD Industrial Zoning Long term Monitor opportunities for tech and manufacturing businesses in industrial zones throughout the City
Funded
9 3.8 CD Expedite Business
License Permits,
business signage and
possibly provide
“concierge service”
for new businesses to
streamline the
process
Long term Concierge service will require additional staffing to accommodate planning guidance and help move
the businesses into construction as soon as
possible. Concierge services would also apply to
existing businesses looking to expand their
services. Approx 200-300 businesses could be
served annually.
• New Economic Development Manager FT
($166,750)
• New Management Assistant FT ($110,115)
Unknown
Goal 4: Enhance Transparency and Open Governance
Objective
Number
Department Objective Description Completion
Timeframe
Status Funding
**
4.1 MS
P&R
Library
Focus outreach efforts
to the Senior
community and those
who do not use
technology
Continuous
A digital resource tablet is now in the lobby of the
Joslyn Senior Center to help share City news and
events. Staff is working internally to enhance City
information and resources at all City buildings in
multiple languages.
Funded &
Underway
**
4.2 CD Create better
connections with
CSULA
Continuous Staff has developed a connection with CSULA staff and will continue to work on potential
opportunities for students and create job
pipelines, and share information on
transportation improvements and housing
opportunities.
Funded &
Underway
**
4.3 PW & MS Expand the number of
users of
“GoAlhambra” App
and collect surveys
Short term Banners are hung throughout the City and the App has been promoted on social media and the
website. The App includes a feature that allows
users to rate their experience, if they want.
Funded &
Underway
**
4.4 P&R
PW & U
Research options for
indoor and outdoor
Short Term There are exterior bulletin boards at Granada Park and Almansor Park. Information is available in the
Funded
10 bulletin board signage
for City buildings to
share City related
information and
announcements
Offices at Joslyn Center, Almansor Park and
Alhambra Parks.
4.5 P&R Provide display stand
with City information
at weekly Farmers
Market
Short term Staff will put out fliers and information at the City Farmers Market booth each week.
Funded
4.6 P&R Upgrade the
technology at the
Joslyn Center
Mid term There is currently hardwired audio/visual
(projector/screen) and sound, wireless
microphones in the Alhambra room. There is a
television in the library of the Joslyn center.
Unfunded
4.7 City Council Expand Council
Communications to
include reports of
meetings attended
Short term Funded
Goal 5: Promote Sustainability
Objective
Number
Department Objective
Description
Completion
Timeframe
Status Funding
**
5.1 MS Complete a
Comprehensive
Environmental
Sustainability Plan
that supports the
long-term needs of
Alhambra
Long term A draft plan will go to City Council for review on 3/23/26.
Funded &
Underway
11 **
5.2 P&R
PW & U
MS
Add EV Charging
Stations to the Parks
Short term An electrical assessment of Park locations is underway.
Funded &
Underway
5.3 PW Upgrade Gateway
Plaza with more
trees
Short term Staff is looking for a landscape architect and will coordinate a rose bush giveaway.
Unfunded
5.4 PW & U
MS
CD
Revisit the Tree
Ordinance
Mid term Staff will bring back the Tree Ordinance for
Council to review
Funded
Goal 6: Improve Housing Opportunities
Objective
Number
Department Objective
Description
Completion
Timeframe
Status Funding
**
6.1 CD Encourage and
facilitate the building
of affordable housing
Continuous Staff will continue to monitor opportunities.
Funded &
Underway
**
6.2 CD Create design
guidelines for multi-
family dwellings and
commercial buildings
Mid term A project update was presented to Council 7/28/25, community outreach will begin in Spring 2026 and a
final presentation to City Council expected in
Summer 2026.
Funded &
Underway
**
6.3 CD Support Permanent
Supportive Housing –
Cesar Chavez
Foundation (2nd and
Main – Mariposa)
Long term An assignment to the Cesar Chavez Foundation
went to the Council on 10/28/24. CCF obtained $4M
from a Super NOFA and will be re-applying for
additional tax credits in February 2026.
Funded &
Underway
**
6.4 MS
Finance
Address the effects
of Short-Term
Rentals. Explore the
opportunity to collect
Transient Occupancy
Tax on the 2026
Ballot
Mid term Staff is working with a consultant to place the item on the November 2026 Ballot.
Funded &
Underway
12 6.5 MS Research Tenant
Relocation Assistance
- Use IHO funds
- Tenant Assistance
Ordinance
Mid term Staff will bring an item to Council on 4/13/26. Funded
6.6 CD Hire a consultant for
preparation ahead of
the next Housing
Element (cycle 7) for
2029-37
Mid term A RFP will be released prior to June 30, 2027 so that a consultant is in place prior to the planning
process.
Funded
6.7 CD Review zoning at
Main and Chapel as a
case study for a
possible transition
zone
Long term Unfunded
6.8 CD Purchase Apartment
Buildings for low-
income housing
Long term Unfunded
MAKING THE MEDIA
WORK FOR YOU
FEBRUARY 26, 2025CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
MARCH 26, 2026
ABOUT PAUL OMODT
Omodt & Associates Critical Communication
Founder and Principal
35+ Years Public Relations Experience
Professional Spokesperson
Former City of St. Louis Park City Council Member
League of Minnesota Cities Conference Presenter
CJPIA Conference Presenter
Adjunct Professor, University of St. Thomas
Professional Designations Include: ABC, APR, Fellow
PRSA, MBA, SCMP
TODAY’S BIG QUESTION:
What if there was an organization NOBODY liked, trusted or respected – and yet they were vital to your long-term success.
Would you trust this organization
to accurately tell the world about you?
WHY WORK WITH THE MEDIA?
Public perception of local Alhambra issues is shaped by (in this order):
• Preconception, what we believe or know, up until that point in time (including your city’s brand!)
• Word of mouth by trusted source
• Traditional local media sources (third party validation) • Social media
WHY WORK WITH THE MEDIA?
• Media coverage is credible, cost-effective
and timely means of communicating with
your audiences
• Media exposure heightens your image as
a knowledge expert
• Media coverage is an excellent means of
recognition for what you do and what the
city does – it re-enforces positives and
brand positions
WHY WORK WITH THE MEDIA?
• The media will cover your story whether or not you agree to do an interview
• This is your chance to shape, refine and control the message • Because there are “Five C’s” of effective media relations…and if you use them correctly, the media can and will work for you…the Five C’s are…
CONTROL STARTS NOW!
• Start considering your work with the local media as performances – not interviews
• In performances, you lead
• In interviews, the reporter leads
• It is best for YOU to be in the lead and for you to exercise control CONTROL THE OPPORTUNITY!
Ask questions! The first questions always come from YOU! Ask questions such as these:
What is the focus of the article or report
What information do you need?
What is your deadline?
Have you interviewed anybody else?
But before you start, don’t answer any questions yet:
Remember, you are always on the record
Be sure you know the reporter, the publication –
never -- ever -- talk to strangers!
CONTROL STARTS WITH YOUR TEAM!
Consider reporters an extension of your team.
Understanding: You want something, they want something. You have something to give, they have something to give.
What reporters want from YOU and YOU want from reporters:
Responsiveness
Respect
Honesty
Clear, concise, and quick information
Help tell a story
THE ZEN OF THE PERFORMANCE
Remember: You are always on stage!
Be your best, authentic self
Use your face and voice to manifest your
message
Affirm your authority and enjoy the
opportunity
Be calm, relaxed – and remember the
two-way relationship involves your
ability to share information!
BEFORE YOUR PERFORMANCE, GET READY!
Always: prepare three to five key messages that speak directly to your audience
Practice out loud
Don’t memorize – internalize
Use tools available: Pitch Plan, Website, Fact Sheets, Talking points Live the Alhambra brand!
BODY LANGUAGE IS LANGUAGE
Some body language basics:
Do’s Don’t’s
Use affirmative body language Slouch
Make eye contact Fidget
Use your hands Fold your arms
Exude confidence Give off a negative vibe
WHAT’S RECALLED?
TONE, CONFIDENCE, AUTHENTICITY
Proactively set who you are! You need to determine what part of yourself you project
Tone – use your voice to convey meaning
Tone – should match the content
Play your voice – use the variety in your voice
THREE DO’S
Be “on” from the moment you walk into the room or are with reporters (at an event, on a tour, etc.) – your performance begins before you see or talk to the reporter
Use positive language and phrases – be for something!
Speak of challenges and situations – not problems
THREE DON’TS
Don’t rush – take your time
Don’t speculate, exaggerate or make anything up – if you don’t know say you don’t know (but you will try to get the answer)
Don’t ever, ever lie
DURING YOUR PERFORMANCE
Assume EVERYTHING is on the record
Beginnings, Middles, Ends
In the beginning, you make an opening statement
In the middle, you ensure your key points are made
In the end, you make a closing argument
Use active listening skills – Don’t be afraid to ask for refinements to questions
Answering a question is a three part process:
Listen -- Think -- Respond
BUILD BRIDGES!
Use bridging: transitioning from a difficult subject to one of your key messages
“Yes…” (the answer) “and in addition to that” (the bridge) “No…” (the answer) “let me explain…”
“I don’t know…but what I do know is…”
“That’s the way it used to be…here’s what we do now…”
WAVE YOUR FLAG!
Use ‘flagging’: verbally highlighting your key messages to make them stand out
‘The most important thing to remember is’
‘I think it all boils down to these three things’
HOOKS, COMMENTS, UNDERSTANDING
Suggest the next question or set a hook – you should ask me… Avoid ‘no comment’: “I can’t answer that question, but what I can tell you is this…”
• More specifically, for pending legal matters: "We can't comment on pending legal matters. What we can say is..."
• For non-pending legal matters: “While we can't discuss [X], I can say [what is appropriate].”
Stand your ground – “I understand your question, but it touches on confidential information, so we’ll just have to leave it at that.”
PREPARATION IS KEY
Even in friendly, two-way street exchanges, there can be difficult questions – don’t be offended – be prepared and walk toward the question Prepare in advance – make sure you can answer the difficult question Part of most crisis response situations involve the media – so, being prepared with trained spokespeople and approved key messages are key
CITIES CAN BE A MYSTERY TO MANY
The reporter may/may not know acronyms, jargon & tech speak, but remember, the ultimate audience is the reader/viewer/listener/grower Acronyms can be dangerous
Assuming shared knowledge can be dangerous
EXAMPLES, METAPHORS, STORIES
It’s alright to use analogies and metaphors to make and reinforce your point
It’s alright to speak plainly in language, metaphor and analogies reporters will understand
Good stories are always remembered most
KEY MESSAGES
Key messages are your safe harbor
Prepare three to five of them for each opportunity
PREPARE FOR THE QUESTION ALWAYS ASKED
Is there anything you would like to add? Anything else you would like to say?
FOLLOWING UP
Your interview/performance is your set up for your next interview You do care about the story that is produced – and the next one to come Your role is to become a trusted and valued resource
QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?
Let’s practice now!
A FEW HANDY RESOURCES
https://communications.ucsc.edu/media-relations/media-training/ (US Santa Cruz) https://www.ca-ilg.org/media-relations (Institute for Local Government) https://www.ca-ilg.org/sites/main/files/file-
attachments/media_relations_tips_for_newly_elected_officials_march_2014_0.pdf?1395707392 (Institute for Local Government)