CCM Communications 2021

COMMUNICATIONS

In 2021, there is no one medium that you can reliably use to get the word out to everyone. Today’s mantra is that you have to reach people where they are, and CCM’s Communications and Member Relations team is connecting our members and the public with crucial information.

This year, we were happy to be able to resume in-person town visits through our Town Liaison program. As we say each year, this is the cornerstone of CCM’s services and a key way for you to get questions and concerns to us. Of course, the option to meet via Zoom was still available – what’s important is that we hear from you.

One aspect of the work that CCM does is to connect those issues to the public at large. Issuing dozens of press releases and holding several press conferences, we were able to move the needle on issues like the Tiered PI- LOT reform and our outdated HVAC systems.

We are especially proud of our commitment to equity in Connecticut. Representation Matters was an all hands on deck project for CCM, and even through Facebook’s ad ban throughout the beginning of 2021 hundreds of individuals still signed up for this program encouraging women and people of color to run for office.

By the end of the year, that Facebook ad ban was lifted, but it inspired us to look outside the box for advertising. Using the 2021 Convention, we tested out several advertising platforms to help us reach audiences whether they are on their phones or computers. The tools that we developed during this time will be invaluable in the coming years and months when we are advocating for our towns and cities at the Capitol and beyond.

The Municipal Voice is one such platform that we take municipal issues aiming for a general audience. Throughout the year we discussed issues from voices around the state. This year we’ve heard from CEOs, other organizations, state leaders, and even Senator Chris Murphy.

And thanks to our friends in CCM’s Municipal Resource and Service Center, Connecticut Town & City is being read by more people than ever. Not only did we cross the 10,000 mailing list, we crossed the 15,000 mailing list subscribers at the same time. Whether it’s reporting on the general assembly or compiling innovative ideas from around the state, CT&C is your number one resource for municipal news.

This year, in addition to our annual compilation issue, Innovative Ideas, we compiled the special issue of Economic Development Innovative Ideas for towns and cities to think about as we enter the next chapter.