Engaging Residents through Enhanced Communication Channels

Hello Midvale,

I hope this message finds you well. I am Bonnie Billings; your recently elected District 1 councilmember and I want to take a moment to share some thoughts with all of you across our diverse and vibrant city. Representing the Fort Union area is both an honor and a learning experience—it has been filled with insightful conversations about the unique fabric of Midvale. Along the way, I have had the pleasure of meeting many District 1 residents, and I am eager about the prospect of extending those connections to residents from every corner of Midvale as we work together to shape our future.

You might be wondering why I decided to dive into local politics. Well, it boils down to a deep-seated belief in the strength of community. I believe that when residents actively engage in the decision-making process and participate in all that the city has to offer, it transforms a city into a thriving and vibrant home. My goal is to encourage all Midvale residents to be active contributors and participants in the shared vision of our city. I believe that to build an engaged community, we need to create and organize the tools necessary to engage as many residents as possible.

Today, I want to shine a light on a topic close to my heart –communication. Communication is the cornerstone of a thriving community, and I want to commit to regular, timely, and accessible communication (not everyone is on social media, right?). In a world buzzing with technology, accessible and effective communication is more important than ever, and I want to make sure that our methods of reaching out and engaging with our residents are effective and useful for you and members of the council. Regular communication not only increases transparency and accountability for elected officials but also nurtures relationships between residents and those who represent them. It is about building bridges, opening lines of dialogue, and creating a sense of unity.

To organize this communication effectively, I am collaborating with Mayor Stevenson and city staff to develop the necessary tools to increase district-specific communication. Step one in this process is collecting email addresses so that your councilmember has the option to send a regular digital newsletter to residents in their districts. In my brief time on the council, I am learning about so many incredible activities and amenities Midvale offers and I want to create a culture of ensuring that you know about every opportunity to participate in, and support, our community. For example, did you know that every Saturday in February, the Midvale Arts Council hosted free movies (check out upcoming events: midvalearts.com)?

Picture a scenario where you are directly and promptly informed (and encouraged to participate) about the latest happenings, events, and crucial notices in Midvale. That is the kind of community engagement I am aiming for – one where information flows easily, timely, and encourages strong engagement. This kind of communication also provides us the opportunity to share timely updates in the event of an emergency or last-minute notifications. It is about being there for you when you need information the most.

Information about the process for collecting email addresses will be forthcoming. I am looking forward to connecting better with each of you!

My commitment to open communication, accessibility, engagement, and community building is unwavering. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and am fully dedicated to learning, growing, collaborating, and participating with you all. Together, let us make Midvale a place where everyone’s voice is heard, where community engagement and participation thrive, and where our shared dreams shape the narrative of our city.

Looking Forward,

Bonnie Billings, District 1