York County Council Workshop Focuses on Communication Strategy Overhaul and Legislative Advocacy Approach

At its October 14, 2025 workshop, the York County Council focused on two major topics: the unveiling of a comprehensive communications vision by new Public Information Director Lisa Wolf Chason and a follow-up discussion on the county’s approach to government relations and legislative advocacy. Chason presented a five-part strategy to modernize communications, strengthen internal and external collaboration, and enhance transparency. Council members responded with unanimous support and emphasized the importance of sharing factual information with the public. The second major discussion centered on whether to retain, modify, or eliminate plans to hire a federal or state lobbyist. Council leaned toward redirecting previously budgeted funds toward a potential government affairs coordinator role instead of hiring an external lobbyist, citing cost concerns and internal capacity building as preferred approaches.

Detailed Summary by Agenda Item

1. Communication Vision and Discussion

Presenter: Lisa Wolf-Chason, Public Information Director

Lisa Wolf Chason introduced herself and outlined a five-pronged communications strategy for York County, focusing on:

a. Social Media Strategy

• Audit and streamline the county’s 69 affiliated social media pages.
• Implement social media monitoring software to centralize responses and improve analytics.
• Develop platform-specific messaging for Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and Nextdoor.
• Train departmental staff for brand consistency and strategic messaging.

b. Strategic Communication Plan

• Create internal, external, and crisis communication protocols.
• Improve employee newsletter to keep staff informed of county initiatives.
• Launch community-focused newsletters to clarify issues like tax reassessments.
• Integrate customer service and emergency alert software to improve public response during crises.

c. Collaboration Initiatives

• Establish an internal Public Relations Council composed of departmental representatives.
• Strengthen ties with external validators including chambers of commerce, schools, and emergency responders.
• Work with York County Values Committee to foster employee pride and shared messaging.

d. Branding and Identity

• Consider consolidating branding around the county seal or revisiting a full brand refresh.
• Create countywide brand guidelines to ensure uniformity across platforms and materials.
• Build a digital library of media assets for use by staff, media, and partners.

e. Professional Development

• Engage in ongoing training via public and private sector programs.
• Collaborate with professional associations such as the National Association of Government Communicators and Public Relations Society of America.
• Leverage cross-sector training to stay current with best practices.

Council Reaction:

• Council members praised Chason’s vision and preparedness.
• Emphasis was placed on improving access to factual county news to counter misinformation.
• There was strong interest in simplifying tools like the “Notify Me” system and improving community engagement through timely updates.

2. Follow-Up Discussion Regarding Government Relation Services and the Legislative Agenda

Facilitator: County Manager David Harmon

The discussion addressed whether the county should move forward with hiring a government lobbyist, a concept previously budgeted for. Harmon recommended pausing plans to hire a federal lobbyist due to:

• Ongoing federal budget uncertainty and potential shutdown.
• Strong existing relationships with the state delegation.
• A desire to build internal legislative advocacy capabilities.

Key Points from Discussion:

• Several council members supported shifting from a hired lobbyist to a Government Affairs Coordinator or similar internal role.
• Council Chairwoman Christi Cox emphasized that prior efforts lacked clear, consistent asks and that having someone focused on legislative affairs full-time would help push county priorities forward.
• Council members cited specific needs, such as impact fee reform and better access to state and federal funding, as examples of where focused advocacy could help.
• Others pointed to examples from other counties and past practices in York County where in-house coordination proved effective.
• There was broad agreement that staff such as assistant county managers and the public information team could enhance legislative outreach, particularly at the state level.
• However, some concern remained about the internal bandwidth to handle that work effectively without additional resources.

Consensus Outcome:

• Council informally agreed not to proceed with hiring a lobbyist at this time.
• Staff was directed to further explore how to best allocate existing budgeted funds, potentially toward creating a government affairs position.
• Staff will bring the deferred lobbyist budget item back for formal consideration at the next council meeting.