Finding enough time in your workday can be a serious problem. As government employees, we never have enough time to get everything done. We call this the "innovators paradox." You must make time to create time in your day. Join Granicus for a complimentary webinar to hear government efficiency and innovation expert, Brian Elms, explain how to use a few tools, hacks, and techniques to help you find -- and remedy -- inefficiencies in your own wo...

The art of communication is key to public records request management. According to a recent study, approximately one in three people say the most important aspect of customer service is speaking with a knowledgeable and friendly agency representative. Clerks and records managers are often the first, and sometimes only, personnel within an agency that community members interact with. Ensuring that this is a positive experience is important to b...

In the last ten years, short-term rentals (STRs) have dramatically altered the landscape of guest accommodations. But there's also much to learn about how STRs effect communities, particularly in resort, gateway, and destination communities. While the rental economy can bring economic benefits, it can also have a detrimental impact on community character and housing inventory.Join Granicus for a complimentary webinar to hear STR compliance exp...

Are short-term rentals (STRs), often found on sites like Airbnb and VRBO, required to meet the same safety standards as traditional lodging options in your community? While there may be some exceptions, the answer is likely no. With record numbers of new hosts, new visitors, and STR related accidents, now is the time to prioritize life safety in your community.Join Granicus for a 15-minute session with vacation rental safety expert, Justin For...

Every jurisdiction has its excessive requestors--also known as vexatious or serial requesters--that have learned that they are allowed to submit an unlimited number of Public Records requests each day. Although news outlets or media routinely file Public Records/FOIA requests for news stories that benefit the public, they can also be labeled as vexatious requesters due to the sheer volume of requests. Estimates are that the media accounts for...

Residents are expecting more transparency and communication from their local leaders than ever before. In-person engagement methods massively limit the number of people that can participate in their communities, and social media can be unreliable. When the City of Palm Desert, CA ran into these issues, they turned to an online community engagement platform.Within the first year of implementing their engagement platform, Engage Palm Desert, cit...

In the post-pandemic environment, seamless digital service has become a necessity for governments and their constituents. Being able to fill out multiple forms in one place has removed what was once seen as a necessary nuisance by constituents, removing forms as a barrier and ensuring fulfillment of requested services. But how can agencies put these ideas into effective practice?Join Granicus for a complimentary 45-minute webinar to examine ho...

The role of the digital experience is critical for local and state governments. Residents and business owners expect a personalized, intuitive experience in every interaction, and are voting with their wallets as they choose where to live and do business. Governments must embrace the importance of the constituent, employee, and partner experience in everything they do.Join Granicus for a complimentary webinar to discover how the City of San Jo...

Public engagement is an important part of creating thriving communities, providing a mechanism for government entities to remain transparent by presenting information, collecting feedback, and engaging in a two-way conversation with their constituents. Public Records Requests (also known as FOIA) is an important component to sharing information and ensuring a spirit of transparency in local government. What many may not realize, however, is th...

Body-worn cameras (BWC), and calls to release their videos, have changed how the public perceives police accountability and transparency putting pressure on public records offices with an increased need for response and need to create policy to meet rising interest.Most police departments don't have the luxury to develop their own policies, and records personnel can find themselves in a difficult position when it comes to responding to public...