Reform 1.6: Press Aides and Public Information Officers

Reduce Press Aides and Public Information Officers.

Other Information:

The City currently has a total of 19 press and public relations staff by designation. Additional staff and contractors are also involved in public affairs. The Mayor currently has 1.00 Director of Communications, 2.00 Deputy Press Secretaries (1.00 on recent leave of absence working for the Proposition D campaign), and 1.00 Press Assistant handling inquires from the press, overall message and dissemination of information originating from the Office of the Mayor. In addition to these press officers, the City has budgeted 15.00 Public Information Officers in various departments who handle inquires related to the specific department in which they are budgeted. With the exception of police and fire, we propose centralizing the City’s public information services – and consolidating them under the Office of Community and Legislative Services. Enterprise funds would enter into a “Service Level Agreement” for the reimbursement of expenses for this office. In addition to saving money, this reorganization will enhance how the city communicates with the media and the public.

Indicator(s):

Indicator:1

Content