Building Public Trust Through Better Communication (ft. Matt LaFee)

In this episode of OMAG All Access, host William Shepherd, OMAG's Director of Risk Management, sits down with Matt LaFee, City Manager for the City of Walters, to discuss how small municipalities can use social media and artificial intelligence to strengthen communication, build public trust, and showcase the work happening behind the scenes.Matt shares how Walters has transformed its communication strategy by highlighting infrastructure projects, grant-funded improvements, employee recognition, and community successes in ways that residents can easily understand. From documenting splash pad construction and sewer equipment purchases to explaining complex funding in plain language, he offers practical ideas any municipality can implement.The conversation also explores how AI is helping small communities save time, create engaging content, and improve transparency without requiring a dedicated communications team.Whether you're a city manager, clerk, public works director, or municipal leader looking to better connect with your community, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can start using today.In this episode you'll learn: Why every municipality needs to tell its own story  How social media builds transparency and public trust  Ways to explain grants and infrastructure projects in plain language  Practical uses for AI in municipal communications  Tips for creating engaging content with limited staff and resources  How consistent communication leads to stronger community engagement Listen now and discover how even the smallest communities can create a big impact through better communication.