Building Trust with Good Communications
July 9, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
ICMA Practice Areas: 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 14
Program Summary:
Community trust is built (or lost) every day. And it’s reinforced (or lost) when things aren’t smooth sailing. How do you build citizen understanding of government and its role in their lives? How do you use tools to get them timely info when it really matters?
The City of North Port conducted a survey and learned its community didn’t feel heard and wanted to better understand how government works. They have spent the last six months changing their outreach and engagement practices with a goal of building trust, transparency, and accountability – and it’s working. Learn about their strategy, including the communication channels used, from Communications Manager/PIO Jason Bartolone and Marketing & Engagement Manager Katya Sutherland.
Pinellas County’s Public Participation and Engagement Coordinator, Cory Brandt, worked for the U.S. Government, the United Nations, and private entities overseas as a public engagement and communications expert. He will speak on strategies to build credibility and trust, including engaging early, leveraging third-party advocates and influencers, getting the facts straight, being clear about success and opportunities for improvement, and staying the course when you take a reputational hit. This is a great opportunity to hear about local communications from an international perspective.
Speakers:
- Jason Bartolone, Communications Manager/PIO, City of North Port
- Cory Brandt, Public Participation and Engagement Coordinator, Pinellas County
- Katya Sutherland, Marketing & Engagement Manager, City of North Port
Click here to register.