Communicators gathered at the John A. Wilson Building for a roundtable discussion co-hosted with the Executive Office of Mayor Bowser. Moderated by Anthony Shop, the session focused on how public institutions can earn attention, adapt to evolving digital platforms, and build genuine public trust in an era of information overload.

Beyond the Accomplishment List: Telling a Multi-Year Civic Story

Government agencies and leaders often face the challenge of communicating multi-year legacies without relying solely on static lists of achievements. During the panel, speakers discussed how the Mayor's Office uses data, human stories, and varied content formats to highlight 12 years in office. Initiatives like Aubrey Plourde’s Ward by Ward video project demonstrated how video can evoke emotional resonance and help residents connect with citywide progress on a personal level.

Sequencing High-Stakes Public Announcements

Managing major civic developments requires strategic audience sequencing and transparent messaging. The communications journey surrounding major deals (such as securing federal land and navigating public opinion through Council votes) underscored the necessity of meeting residents where they are, using clear narratives across digital and traditional channels.

Partnering with Creators and Embracing Authentic Digital Strategy

A major takeaway from the discussion was the shift toward organic social strategies and creator partnerships. The Real DC initiative highlighted how city government can showcase Washington, D.C., as a vibrant community of neighborhoods and services beyond its role as the nation's capital. By hosting influencer events and partnering with local creators, public institutions can reach new audiences authentically.

Playful Storytelling and Real-World Community Building

Innovative formats are proving highly effective in civic engagement:

• Playful Formats: Robyn Craig shared how the National Building Museum utilized skit formats (such as THE PLAYGROUND launch and an oversized letter from the Mayor) to capture public imagination.
• In-Person Engagement: Domonique Panton emphasized bringing digital interaction into physical spaces, building loyalty and trust through local community events like citywide runs.
• Broad Perspectives: NAGC President-Elect Rebekah Mena provided broader insights into agency trends, noting where government communicators are making strides and where gaps remain.

Key Takeaways for Public Communicators

• Start: Partnering with creators and leveraging video formats that highlight real human experiences.
• Stop: Relying on rigid, press-release-only models to convey major milestone stories.
• Keep: Experimenting with playful, authentic storytelling across digital platforms.