A city staff member urged Wisconsin Rapids residents and businesses to follow the city’s official social media pages, watch local TV channels and attend public meetings to strengthen community engagement.

The staff member, City staff member, said the city is working with WRCM on improving communication and encouraged people to follow and share “official city social media pages” and to use the city’s YouTube channel and local 24/7 TV channels on Solaris and Spectrum to stay informed. “Engagement isn’t just about showing up. It’s about building a community where everybody belongs,” the staff member said.

Why it matters: the city official framed expanded outreach as part of efforts to reduce a perceived disconnect between government and residents and to help the community navigate economic and social questions, including concerns about the future of the local mill. The staff member said the city serves roughly “about 40,000 people in the surrounding communities” and asked residents to share posts so information reaches more people.

Details from the remarks: the speaker listed ways residents can participate, including following the city’s YouTube and Facebook channels, watching Solaris and Spectrum, and attending public meetings where the city typically recognizes people who want to speak. The staff member said the city attempts to respond to comments when possible and wants to provide information so residents “feel connected to what’s going on here.”

The remarks emphasized community action over government-led solutions. “The government is never going to build a community. That’s gonna be the people,” the staff member said, urging neighbors to help each other, start businesses and spread the word. The staff member noted that many residents worry “what the future holds for us after the mill,” and said community spirit and cooperation are key to addressing that uncertainty.

The speaker closed by inviting residents to reach out with ideas and feedback and by offering a holiday greeting: “Happy Easter,” the staff member said.

No motions, votes or formal actions were recorded during this portion of the meeting.