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.

• Italian Bowl Response from Toledo Mayor
• City of Toledo on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook
• Emelie Schultz on LinkedIn

Modern 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 list
• How Leavenworth balances tourism influx with local quality of life
• The power of community relationships and the concept of a "fluffle" in government networking
• Strategies for proactive wildlife management and reducing human-wildlife conflicts
• The shift toward in-person touchpoints to strengthen community bonds post-COVID
• Tools and approaches that help Kara work smarter, including the importance of relationships and support networks
• Advice for newcomers in government communications: build your fluffle and stay persistent

Resources & Links:

• City of Leavenworth
• Gitcha Goomsba Up
• Miracle Town - Creating Leavenworth, Washington
• Kara Raftery - LinkedIn

Modern 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 communication
• Crafting flexible messages to adapt to community needs
• Inspiring participation through compelling success stories
• Aligning communication strategies with brand identity
• Coordinating with partners for unified messaging
• Utilizing analytics to refine communication efforts
• The role of storytelling in government communications

Resources & Links:

• Ready to Work San Antonio Website
• Alamo Colleges
• Goodwill Industries
• Hallmark University
• Project QUEST
• Restore Education
• Workforce Solutions Alamo
• Modern Gov Matters

Connect with Ryan Loyd:

• LinkedIn

Modern 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 Toolkit
• Mont Belvieu Official Website
• Mont Belvieu on Facebook
• Brian Ligon on LinkedIn
• CivAll
• Modern Gov Matters

Special 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.