Today’s Morning Buzz is by Angela Wilson, Communications and Engagement Manager and Deputy Public Information Officer for the Town of Frederick, Colo. Connect with her on Instagram.
- What I’m reading: The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon
- What I’m listening to: Rock the Bells on Sirius XM
- A hobby I enjoy: Hiking and yoga
Local government communication is like solving a never-ending puzzle—pieces are constantly shifting, and just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, someone hands you a brand-new edge piece that doesn’t quite fit. From responding to hot-button topics and resident feedback to navigating last-minute notices, overlapping project timelines, and the ever-present influence of politics, getting the right information to the right people at the right time is key.
For many of us in local government, communication isn’t just a job, it’s a juggling act. We wear a dozen different hats every day: crisis manager, storyteller, strategist, diplomat, social media guru, and sometimes even therapist to those who need to vent their frustrations about everything from road closures to water bills. The challenge isn’t just in the volume of information we handle, but in the precision required to tailor each message.
The Complexity of Communication
Effective communication in local government means balancing transparency, timeliness, and accuracy while managing shifting expectations. Residents expect instant responses to complex issues. Elected officials want messaging aligned with policy priorities. Internal departments need support in breaking down technical jargon to digestible information. And somewhere in between all of that, there are always last-minute changes that force us to adapt on the fly.
When communication works well, it builds trust and strengthens relationships. But when one piece is missing—whether it’s a delay in messaging, a misinterpretation of intent, or a lack of clarity—confusion and frustration quickly fill the gaps.
Dare I say…#ICANT
The variety in our work is what makes it rewarding, but it also comes with a cost: burnout. It’s easy to get caught up in the urgency of every request, to feel the pressure of constant notifications, or to get stuck in the cycle of always being “on.” Add in the expectation to be innovative and engaging while handling multiple priorities, and it’s no surprise that many communication professionals find themselves running on empty.
This is where well-being becomes not just important, but essential. Local government communicators are in a unique position—our job is to keep people informed, which means we often absorb a lot of stress from the communities we serve. As the adage goes, “It’s not work if you love what you do” (insert eye roll). But really, embracing this mindset transforms challenges into fulfilling experiences, reinforcing our commitment to the community. How do we balance the workload while maintaining our own well-being?
Finding Joy in a Daydream
Of course, I could list many techniques we have all heard and tried: breathing, yoga, journaling, screaming in your car, etc. Behold, I have invented a tested stress reducer that I hope you will embrace – the zombie apocalypse daydream. The next time you are faced with an uninspiring task, employ this imaginative coping technique. Visualize the source of anxiety, assign it a humorous moniker, and mentally release it into the pack of zombies just outside the office doors. A stack of engineering memorandums with drawings and traffic control plans got you down? Picture it with arms and legs heading right into the zombie lair. This playful approach can diminish the weight of worries. Now of course, I would never daydream about anything with a beating heart, but I do have a Zombie Apocalypse Team. It’s your daydream and it may just turn that frown upside down. And best of all it’s so ridiculous, there is no need to ever tell anyone.
The dynamic nature of our responsibilities can lead to stress and anxiety, especially when we strive to control every outcome. Kahlil Gibran wisely noted, “Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it.” Recognizing this, it’s vital to adopt strategies that promote well-being.
Now go out there and be a model of resilience and positivity for your teams and communities. At the end of the day, the ever-changing nature of local government communication is what makes it both challenging and exciting. It’s not about finding a perfect, one-size-fits-all solution, it’s about adapting, problem-solving, and continuously learning.
So, to all my fellow communicators out there: Keep daydreaming and don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way.