Marysville University Oct. 16 features city’s website, social media tools

MARYSVILLE — Marysville University this fall invites you to a civics learning class that will provide the insides and out of the city's website and social media tools, and how the city is adapting to more effectively communicate with citizens and stakeholders.

October 8, 2013 9:28 pm

MARYSVILLE — Marysville University this fall invites you to a civics learning class that will provide the insides and out of the city’s website and social media tools, and how the city is adapting to more effectively communicate with citizens and stakeholders.

The free class entitled, “How the city website and social media tools are transforming ‘government for the people’ to ‘government with the people,'” will meet Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Marysville City Council Chambers, on the second floor of City Hall, located at 1049 State Ave.

“You’ll want to bring your smart phones, laptops and tablets,” said Doug Buell, community information officer for the city of Marysville.

Here are just a few of the topics set to be covered:

• New website features that are empowering citizens in the decision-making process, and keeping them better informed.

• Social media tools, and how they are being used for emergency management and alerts, news and events.

• Crime-mapping and other public safety tools.

• Online permitting.

• New interactive features ahead in future Parks and Recreation activities guides.

• Benefits to citizens.

Buell explained that there has been a big shift in how individuals get information, with websites, text messaging and social media occupying a more central role in the daily lives of citizens.

“The city has greatly increased its use of our website and social media tools as ways to better communicate with citizens both ways,” Buell said. “Our goal is customer service, and to make access to information, programs and services easier and quicker.”

To RSVP, please call city Executive Assistant Leah Ingram at 360-363-8091 by Oct. 11 to reserve your seat, or email lingram@marysvillewa.gov. Be sure to include your name, phone number, postal mail address and email address. For more information, contact Buell by phone at 360-363-8086, or via email at dbuell@marysvillewa.gov, or log onto http://marysvillewa.gov/marysvilleuniversity.

Refreshments will be available. Classes are videotaped, and will be shown on Marysville Cable Access TV 21 on Comcast, and TV 25 on Frontier, at dates to be announced later.