Denver University: Master's Capstone
Exploring the causes and feedback loops that contribute to resident engagement in local governments. A deep analysis of foundational factors of the digital divide and mitigation strategies to build trust in government agencies.
Agency Model: Proof of Concept
After developing collateral and campaigns for my first two years, it was clear that the existing system of production (namely, me) was unsustainable. I started thinking of my assigned divisions, peer talent, and deliverables as all the elements to an agency, and set about transforming our approach at the leadership level while also developing administrative staff in new capacities.
I trained reliable reception and admin staff in composing and distributing our email newsletters, calendaring for events, updating the website, and using DIY graphics solutions. Supervisors got experience in developing personas and brainstorming messaging and KPIs for campaigns.
This model of creation and distribution built more capacity for me to be a strategist, and our tactical producers gained valuable job experience and training to add to their list of marketable skills. This also proved a beta concept for the larger Citywide centralization effort to come.
Agency Model transition: City of Longmont
My capstone thesis laid the foundation for systemic change at the City. As the organization shifted to accommodate a growing need for communications, I had a unique opportunity to present my thoughts on how we could better reorganize our heavily siloed team into a more efficient system of production and response in community events. This model is currently on its way to reality, and our change management plan and capacity building is in stage 3 of 6 growth stages designed by me and our Communications Director.
This model represents survey data, focus group feedback, and team workshop ideas in addition to internal resource auditing and needs assessments.
Deploying the System: Sharepoint Architecture
Again, with copious amounts of design thinking, research, problem solving, and feedback, I used my software development certificate skills to provide the documentation and use case data for our Sharepoint-based work request intake system.
Based on the restrictive nature of architecting a work intake solution within the confines of Sharepoint, I had to rethink my models for how websites are built, align expectations with reality, and make adjustments based on user behavior, psychology, skills and ease with the program, and balance that with maintenance and scalability over time.
My solutions have been developed in concert with the City's chief Sharepoint Architect and input from various divisions, departments, administrative staff, leadership, and teammates.