Digital Engagement & Communications Strategies In Government

 Best Practices To Help You Implement Digital Tools & Services During A Crisis

Following a massive landslide near the town of Oso, Washington the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) had a serious crisis on their hands. Both directions of a State Route were shut down, 43 people were killed, a river was blocked, and the highway was covered with 10 million cubic yards of mud.

WSDOT was tasked with difficult public outreach during an extremely sensitive time.

There is no ‘playbook’ for how to do this kind of engagement or public outreach, however, after hearing the WSDOT story, you will be better prepared to handle a crisis using digital communications, including how to:

• Create attainable goals and objectives during a difficult public outreach process
• Identify influencers and audiences to determine what communication tools to use
• Communicate digitally in an utmost careful, sensitive, and respectful manner

Washington State Department of Transportation