Summary Sheet- WSS ISSUE REVIEW SUMMARY

MEMORANDUM – ISSUE REVIEW SESSION
TO:
Mayor and Council
THROUGH:
Keith Burke, Deputy City Manager, (480) 350-5819
FROM:
Kris Baxter-Ging, Communication and Marketing Director, (480) 858-2059
DATE:
3/23/2026
SUBJECT:
Communication and Marketing Update
AGENDA ITEM: 3B 
PURPOSE:
The Communication and Marketing Office will provide an update on the progress of implementing its 2025-
2027 Communication Plan.
RECOMMENDATION OR GUIDANCE REQUESTED:
We seek Council input on the overall efforts of the Communication and Marketing Office and our intended 
direction for fiscal year 2026/27.
CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC PRIORITY AND RELATED PERFORMANCE MEASURE:

Performance Measure 2.21 - Satisfaction of Information Availability 

Performance Measure 2.04 - Usefulness of the City's Website
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
During the June 2024 City Council Retreat, the Communication and Marketing Office presented research and 
opportunities designed to improve communications with the Tempe community. We presented a brand 
statement and communication priorities. Council gave us direction to create a Communication Plan that 
reflected those priorities. 
1. Tempe is a welcoming place for everyone. We celebrate diversity and encourage community 
involvement and robust discussions.
2.
Improving streets and infrastructure and maintaining our assets is a priority. We respect taxpayer 
dollars by taking care of our property and striving to get the best value for every project we undertake. 
3. Keeping Tempe safe and ensuring the community feels safe is imperative.
4. Connected neighborhoods, open spaces and community events and activities build a stronger Tempe.
5. Lifting the economy and creating jobs improves life for everyone. We work hard to create opportunities 
for success.
6. Healthier communities thrive. We provide services to help our residents and our land itself stay 
healthy.
In May 2025, we presented Council with a Communication Plan that represents a comprehensive strategy to 
ensure Tempe community members are well-informed and able to participate in programs, services and 
decision-making processes. Since implementing the plan, our work has continued to rank alongside the top 
10% of cities across the country and City of Tempe communication tools are preferred and rated highest by 
residents. In terms of digital communications, every one of our indicator numbers positively increased this 
year.
FISCAL IMPACT or IMPACT TO CURRENT RESOURCES:
None
ATTACHMENTS:
1. MARCH 23 2026 COUNCIL PRESENTATION.PDF