We’re a full month into 2023, and we have questions. First: How dare January act like winter? Second: If we dream and plan for summer, will it come sooner?? Not asking for a friend, definitely asking for us.
Another, maybe not entirely unrelated, question we hear from citizens pretty often is “How do we sign up for communication from the city?” Well, we’re glad you asked! There are several ways you can get news about the community and/or the city specifically.
In Person
The simplest way we communicate with many of you is obvious in a community this small: We talk to you. Call us any time during open hours (8am-5pm) at City Hall, contact us with general questions via the website contact form, or stop and ask a question at Public Works, City Hall, or the Police Station. We’re here, rain or shine, snow or ice. That’s just how it be.
Online Platforms
Social media is one way of staying connected, of course. We have Facebook pages for the City, Fire Department, and Police Department. All three are regularly updated. There’s also Twitter and Instagram, if you’re not a Facebook person.
We don’t have Pinterest, LinkedIn, TikTok, SnapChat, or Mastodon, but we do have a YouTube account with live-streamed videos of Council Meetings, informational videos, and occasional interviews with important people like the mayor. There’s also a Flickr account where you can find local photos, free to use with a Creative Commons license. We do have a shiny new Nextdoor page, and you’re welcome to follow us there if you like.
The City Website is the main hub for all things city-related, at baldwincity.gov. Let us know if you’re looking for something and can’t find it, we’re always happy to help. Pages that see a lot of traffic include Utility Bill Pay, City Council Hub, the City Calendar, and City Code. Also check out the News Feed and the Residents and Resources pages.
Print & Email Communications
Since you’re reading the Beacon right now, we’ll assume you know about it. If you don’t get it emailed direct to your inbox every month(ish), why not fix that right now?
Our utility customers (around 1800 of you) hear from us every month, whether via email or paper bill in your mailbox. Sometimes we include important printed information in the bills, on an as-needed basis. Other print materials are created when needed and distributed when and where it’s most important.
Partnerships
We work with the Baldwin City Community News to publish city announcements, events, news and info. We also partner with The Maple Magazine to publish city-focused articles and handy graphic guides twice a year. Look for The Maple in your mailbox twice a year (it’s free, and mailed to all 66006 residents!), or check at your favorite Baldwin City restaurant or store to pick up a free copy in the winter and summer.
Your Turn
Is there a platform or medium you wish we used? Let us know by replying to this email, or emailing city communications director Lynn Meador directly with your thoughts.
Wellness Festival - Be Well Baldwin City
For the first time since 2019, the Wellness Festival is returning to Baldwin City in person. Expect all the things you knew and loved about this community event, plus a ton more new for this year. Save the dates and join the Facebook group to get all the information.
Draft Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP): Transportation 2050 feedback requested
The Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has begun a 30-day public comment period for the draft Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP): Transportation 2050. The plan identifies future needs and makes investment recommendations for all modes of transportation including automobile, public transit, bicycle, pedestrian, etc. This plan reflects the feedback and perspectives provided from the community engagement conducted in 2022. This plan is required by federal regulations to ensure funding for transportation projects throughout Douglas County.
The plan is available online here, or stop by Baldwin City Public Library to review a hard copy.
Recent News
Need to catch up on recent Baldwin City news? Some of the recent press releases include:
The Fire Department dealt effectively with a structure fire on 10th Street
New UTV rules — there’s an inspection event this weekend, by the way!
A burgalry occured at Baker University
Chamber of Commerce Seeks Executive Director
Looking for a job working to make Baldwin City better, or know someone who would be perfect in that role? The Chamber is now hiring. Get all the information and apply here.
City Positions Open
The City is also hiring, with long-term positions with career potential open in the electric department and at the waste-water treatment plant.
Coming up
Happy Friday-eve!