Modern Gov Matters

Steven Baird didn't set out to become a government communicator. With a journalism degree from Sacramento State, a background in professional photography, and a pool cleaning business under his belt, he landed at Las Virgenes Municipal Water District as a field operations tech—reading meters and digging out meter boxes. But when the opportunity arose to combine his photography skills with public affairs work, he made the jump to communications. Now, as Public Affairs Associate II, he manages everything from Instagram to podcasts to crisis response.In 2022, Steven's team faced one of the toughest communications challenges imaginable: telling wealthy homeowners in Calabasas and Westlake Village - including celebrities like the Kardashians and Sylvester Stallone - that the district would literally restrict their water flow if they didn't stop watering their lawns during a historic drought. The work earned his team CAPIO's Crisis Communicator of the Year Award, but it wasn't without personal cost. Steven talks openly about being the face of unpopular decisions, managing online anger, and why leaning into equity messaging - "you can't pay your way out of this drought" - was key to their success.Connect with Steven:LinkedInFollow Las Virgenes MWD on social media to see Steven's photography and video workGet involved with CAPIO (California Association of Public Information Officials)Modern Gov Matters is presented by CivAll, powered by Social News Desk. For more episodes, visit moderngovmatters.com.

What happens when you realize the problem isn't lack of time - it's lack of structure? Kara Roberson, Strategic Communications Officer for the City of Wentzville, Missouri, shares how her three-person team went from reactive firefighting to strategic powerhouse by building systems even when it felt impossible.In this episode, Kara gets honest about the battles government communicators face every day: misinformation spreading faster than official communications in unregulated Facebook groups, the constant tension between strategic work and putting out fires, and the challenge of showing residents what's happening (not just telling them).Resources & Links:City of Wentzville on FacebookCity of Wentzville on InstagramCity of Wentzville on LinkedInKara's LinkedInModern Gov Matters is presented by CivAll, powered by Social News Desk. For more episodes, visit moderngovmatters.com.

Emelie Schultz is the Social Media Coordinator for the City of Toledo, Ohio — and the person behind a mayor's TikTok response that racked up 380,000 views, 45,000 likes, and got an out-of-state influencer to fly in for a football game he'd never heard of. But the viral moment is just the starting point.In this episode, Emelie and Sarah talk about the steady, strategic work underneath the highlights: doubling attendance at Toledo's first-ever Homeownership Fair, shifting content strategy back to everyday city services, and what's coming for every government communicator with the ADA web accessibility requirements taking effect in 2026.Resources & LinksItalian Bowl Response from Toledo MayorCity of Toledo on TikTok, Instagram, and FacebookEmelie Schultz on LinkedInModern Gov Matters is presented by CivAll, powered by Social News Desk. For more episodes, visit moderngovmatters.com.

In this episode of Modern Gov Matters, Sarah Loyd chats with Kara Raftery, the dynamic communications and HR manager for the small but vibrant city of Leavenworth, Washington. Kara shares her unique experiences managing a multifaceted role as a team of one, balancing community engagement, crisis management, and innovative initiatives—all while maintaining her sense of humor and resilience.Key topics:The chaos and creativity of managing a small city’s communications and HR with a 200-item to-do listHow Leavenworth balances tourism influx with local quality of lifeThe power of community relationships and the concept of a "fluffle" in government networkingStrategies for proactive wildlife management and reducing human-wildlife conflictsThe shift toward in-person touchpoints to strengthen community bonds post-COVIDTools and approaches that help Kara work smarter, including the importance of relationships and support networksAdvice for newcomers in government communications: build your fluffle and stay persistentResources & Links:City of LeavenworthGitcha Goomsba UpMiracle Town - Creating Leavenworth, WashingtonKara Raftery - LinkedInModern Gov Matters is presented by CivAll, powered by Social News Desk. For more episodes, visit moderngovmatters.com.

Explore how Ryan Loyd uses strategic communication to market San Antonio's $240 million workforce training initiative. Discover the power of storytelling, community engagement, and flexible messaging in driving civic change.Key Highlights:Leveraging grassroots outreach and paid media for effective communicationCrafting flexible messages to adapt to community needsInspiring participation through compelling success storiesAligning communication strategies with brand identityCoordinating with partners for unified messagingUtilizing analytics to refine communication effortsThe role of storytelling in government communicationsResources & Links:Ready to Work San Antonio WebsiteAlamo CollegesGoodwill IndustriesHallmark UniversityProject QUESTRestore EducationWorkforce Solutions AlamoModern Gov MattersConnect with Ryan Loyd:LinkedInModern Gov Matters is presented by CivAll, powered by Social News Desk. For more episodes, visit moderngovmatters.com.

In this episode of Modern Gov Matters, Sarah Loyd sits down with Brian Ligon, Communications and Marketing Director for Mont Belvieu, Texas, to explore the realities of government communications. They share practical strategies for engaging residents, managing digital negativity, and celebrating public servants.Resources & Links:3CMA GovComms Day ToolkitMont Belvieu Official WebsiteMont Belvieu on FacebookBrian Ligon on LinkedInCivAllModern Gov MattersSpecial on GovComms Day:Mark your calendar for February 20th and celebrate the vital work of government communicators everywhere. Whether by proclaiming the day or sharing your stories, show your appreciation for those making civic engagement possible.Remember: Even if you're short on time, a simple social media post or a quick gesture can boost morale and foster community pride. Happy communicating!Modern Gov Matters is presented by CivAll, powered by Social News Desk. For more episodes, visit moderngovmatters.com.

In an age where government communication and civic engagement often face skepticism, it’s vital to cultivate trust and transparency. Modern Gov Matters dives deep into effective strategies that local government communicators can adopt to make meaningful connections with residents. Join host Sarah Loyd every other week for a fresh take on civic engagement.