Social Media Strategies

Community members of all ages and backgrounds are increasing their use of social media tools as a way to connect to each other and the issues they care about. Not surprisingly, cities and counties are also increasing their use of these communications channels to reach residents. These articles and tip sheets can help local governments navigate the operational and policy issues that may come up while pursuing this approach to community outreach and engagement.

Legal Issues Associated with Social Media

What legal issues do public agencies face relating to their use of social media? This paper chronicles a number of them. It also offers “dos and don’ts” advice for reaping the benefits of social media while minimizing the pitfalls.

A version of this paper was delivered to the May 2010 City Attorneys Spring Conference.

Related Files

Social Media Legal Issues

Sample Social Media Policies

See this collection of social media policies from cities, counties, other levels of government and the private sector.

From Public Agencies

Marin County Social Media Policy
City of Palo Alto Social Media Policy (see document below)
City of West Hollywood Social Media Policy
San Mateo County Social Media Toolkit (see document below)
City of South San Francisco Social Media Policy
City of Davis Social Media Policy
City of Covina Social Media Policy
City of Dublin Website and Social Media Policy
City of Roseville Social Media Policy
City of Santa Clarita Social Media Policy
City of Turlock Social Media Policy
City of Seaside Social Media Policy
City of Sacramento Social Media Terms of Use Guidelines
Orange County Social Media Use Policy
State of Utah Social Media Policy
King County Washington Social Media Handbook (includes guidelines, comments policy and social media action plan)
State of California Social Media Standard (February 2010)