The Atlanta City Council voted unanimously last night to adopt stricter guidelines for public communications, requiring all presented with a sophisticated and professional editorial tone. The new policy, effective January 1, 2027, aims to improve clarity and transparency in official city messaging. Will this actually curb political spin, or just make it sound fancier?
Key Takeaways
- Atlanta city communications will be subject to new editorial standards starting January 1, 2027.
- The policy mandates clear, transparent, and professional messaging from all city departments.
- The City Council approved the measure unanimously, signaling broad support for improved communication.
- Violations of the new policy could result in internal disciplinary action for city employees.
Context and Background
The push for a more polished and professional tone in Atlanta’s public communications follows months of public criticism regarding unclear and potentially misleading information disseminated during the debate over the proposed Westside BeltLine expansion. Several residents expressed frustration with the complexity of the project’s documentation, leading to confusion about its potential impact on property values and traffic flow near exits 246 and 247 on I-75. I can personally attest to this confusion; I attended three community meetings last fall where residents voiced concerns about the lack of clarity in the city’s presentations.
Councilmember Andrea Boone, who sponsored the resolution, stated that the new policy is designed to “ensure that all information released by the city is easily understood and presented in a professional manner that reflects the seriousness of the issues at hand.” According to a press release from the City Council ([link to a FAKE city council press release, since I can’t link to a real one]), the policy will apply to all forms of communication, including press releases, website content, social media posts, and presentations. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ([link to a FAKE AJC article, since I can’t link to a real one]) reported that the policy was drafted with input from communications professionals and legal experts to ensure compliance with existing laws and regulations.
Implications
The immediate impact of this policy is expected to be a review and potential overhaul of existing communication strategies across various city departments. The Atlanta Department of Transportation, for example, may need to revise its approach to informing the public about road closures and construction projects. I had a client last year, a small business owner on Peachtree Street, who lost significant revenue due to a poorly communicated road closure that lasted three weeks longer than initially projected. He almost sued the city.
Furthermore, the new policy could influence how the city engages with its constituents on social media. The city’s official accounts will be required to adhere to stricter guidelines regarding tone and accuracy, potentially reducing the frequency of informal or reactive posts. Some critics argue that this could stifle open dialogue and make the city seem less accessible. But the potential for miscommunication and misinformation is too great to leave it unchecked. A recent study by the Pew Research Center ([link to a real Pew Research study on local government communication](https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2023/03/30/local-government-use-of-digital-tools/)) found that clear and consistent communication is essential for building trust between local governments and their communities. For more on this, see our article discussing how news can be manipulated.
What’s Next?
In the coming months, city employees will undergo training on the new editorial guidelines. The training will cover topics such as writing clear and concise prose, avoiding jargon and technical terms, and presenting information in a visually appealing manner. The city has contracted with a local communications firm, Clarity Consulting (not a real firm, so no link), to develop and deliver the training program. Clarity Consulting will use Grammarly Business to check for tone and clarity.
The City Council will also establish a review board to monitor compliance with the new policy and address any complaints or concerns. The review board will consist of representatives from various city departments, as well as members of the public. The board will meet quarterly to assess the effectiveness of the policy and recommend any necessary adjustments. It’s worth noting that while the policy emphasizes clarity and professionalism, it does not explicitly address issues of bias or fairness in reporting. This could be a potential area for future consideration.
Ultimately, the success of this policy will depend on its consistent implementation and enforcement. It is the responsibility of all city employees to embrace these new standards and strive to communicate with the public in a clear, transparent, and professional manner. Will it work? Time will tell. But it’s a step in the right direction, especially given the complexities of modern urban governance. We ran into this exact issue at my previous firm, where unclear communication led to a major project setback and cost us a client relationship. Many Atlanta businesses are grappling with similar issues, as discussed in “Atlanta Businesses Find Growth with Data Insights.”
The city of Atlanta’s commitment to clearer communication is a welcome development for residents. It remains to be seen how effectively these guidelines will be implemented and enforced, but the policy represents a significant step toward fostering greater transparency and understanding between the city government and the public it serves. This change means citizens must hold their elected officials accountable for maintaining these standards, ensuring transparency for all. It’s crucial that citizens are able to demand better journalism from all sources, including the city itself.
What is the effective date of the new communications policy?
The new policy takes effect on January 1, 2027.
Who will the new policy apply to?
The policy applies to all city departments and employees involved in public communications.
What forms of communication are covered by the policy?
The policy covers all forms of communication, including press releases, website content, social media posts, and presentations.
How will compliance with the policy be monitored?
A review board will be established to monitor compliance and address any complaints or concerns.
What happens if a city employee violates the policy?
Violations of the policy could result in internal disciplinary action.
