Ways to keep informed about Pinal County

Pinal County residents who want to know about events and decisions affecting their communities have an ever-increasing array of options to stay informed.
 
“Television stations from the Phoenix and Tucson areas are beginning to cover more news that happens in and around Pinal County,” said Heather Murphy, director of communications and public affairs for Pinal County. “Radio and print media are also great sources of information. Through our office, we offer other ways keep up-to-date.”
 
About two years ago Pinal County’s Communications and Public Affairs department started inviting residents to subscribe to the news release distribution list. The list used to be only for members of the print, television, radio and online media only.
 
“Our logic was simple. People were clamoring for information at the same time news staffs were being cut back. Since we wouldn’t tell a reporter anything differently than we would tell our neighbors and friends, it made sense to open the list to anyone. The Board of Supervisors and senior county leadership are very supportive of efforts to be more transparent and open in our communications with the public,” Murphy said. 
 
Anyone with a valid email address may subscribe, she said. Subscribers are asked to list their location so the communications staff can send out announcements that are specific to the three board of supervisor districts. To subscribe, simply fill in the information at www.pinalcountyaz.gov/Departments/NewsInformation/Pages/MailingList.aspx. 
 
“One of the newest additions to our website is a way to subscribe to emergency alerts and bulletins through Nixle. This is an internet service that allows police and fire departments, governments and local agencies to immediately deliver geographically relevant information to residents and community visitors, through text messages, internet and email distribution,” Murphy explained.
 
Nixle will be used to update people on major road problems, severe storms, flooding, wildfires and other emergencies. Pinal County’s Public Works and Emergency Management departments are taking the lead to establish and update the information posted on Nixle. To subscribe to Nixle, click on local.nixle.com/county/az/pinal/. 
 
Pinal County also produces and posts informative video productions on a YouTube site.  The YouTube page is typically updated weekly. To view the videos, go to www.youtube.com/user/PinalCountyAzGov or click on the YouTube link on the county’s home page at www.pinalcountyaz.gov.

In March 2010, Pinal County became one of only 39 cities, towns or counties in the United States to earn an “A” and a Sunny Award from the Sunshine Review. Sunshine Review is a non-profit organization formed to push for transparency in government and recognize the most transparent government websites in America. Only one percent of the 5,000 sites reviewed by the organization earned a Sunny Award.

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