LMR June 2023 FINAL

If you don’t tell your own story,
someone else will tell their
version of your story for you.
into a video-based information age and
must learn to speak to a new generation
in dynamic, visually engaging ways.
According to a study by Pew Research
Center, it is projected that by 2025, nearly
75% of the global population will grow up
in an algorithm-driven society. It’s crucial
that we adapt our
narratives and platforms
to resonate
with this new generation,
ensuring
our stories aren’t
lost in the transition
or the translation.
A look at the numbers
drives home
the power of communication.
Pew
Research shows
that 90% of the total
US population
uses social media
actively. More interestingly,
the age
group of 50-64 has
shown a significant
surge in usage,
reaching 73%
in 2022. With this
burgeoning trend,
it’s imperative that
we utilize these
platforms to tell our
stories and engage
with our communities.
How can LMA help
us tell our stories?
The Louisiana Municipal Review, our esteemed
publication that has been our
cornerstone for over 88 years, is a powerful
stage for your narrative. More than
just a coffee table magazine, this trusted
medium has been recounting the tales
of our municipalities for years, providing
insights and fostering a sense of community
among our members. Its pages serve
as a mirror, reflecting our resourcefulness
and innovation to the rest of Louisiana
and the world. The
LMR helped to create
a bigger voice for
Mayor Nic Hunter to
bring federal attention
to Lake Charles’ need for aid to recover
from multiple hurricanes. We have amplified
Mayor David Camardelle’s voice as
he rallies LMA members to join the fight
against the issues that are slowing Grand
Isle’s recovery. The LMR took a closer look
at the gumption of Mayor Gail Wilking
and how she turned the Town of Ball’s finances
and reputation around. Over the
years, we’ve featured stories like Mayor
Staci Albritton Mitchell’s master plan to
keep West Monroe “Rollin’ and Progressin’
on the River’’ as one of U.S. News and
World Report’s “Top 10 Best Southern
Small Towns.” I assure you, nothing captivates
attention more than a simple and
relatable tale of triumph or an underdog
story. For decades, the LMR has not only
provided the technical information needed
to better serve communities, but the
publication has told the incredible stories
of mayors and councils across the
state who are using every resource they
can get their hands on to create stronger
cities, towns, and villages and elevate the
quality of life for their residents.
Our weekly e-newsletter is released via
email every Thursday morning and offers
a rapid, up-to-the-minute platform
to get time-sensitive
information to
our members and
stakeholders. While
it’s tempting to fill
these dispatches
with dry facts and
figures, we know
that numbers alone
won’t sway hearts
and minds, but a
poignant narrative
about how these
numbers affect real
people in your community
can. If there
are news stories
or a brief narrative
about a triumph in
your community
that you would like
to share quickly,
utilize the e-newsletter.
Our newest storytelling
platform is a
podcast called From
the Piney Woods to
the Bayous. Imagine
it as a cozy fireside
chat with stakeholders
far and
wide that not only includes the voices of
mayors and leaders inside city hall, but
it explores different cultural and historic
elements in the communities that make
up the fabric of our beautiful state. Participating
in the podcast is a chance to lend
your narrative an authentic voice, letting
the listener hear the passion and urgency
in your tone. When they hear the tremble
in your voice as you discuss challenges
or the elation as you celebrate victories,
they connect on a human level. It’s story-
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LMR | JUNE 2023