Jan Enns Communications

09/29/2026

It's that time of year again where many of us local gov communicators are asking... how can we get comms in the budget? 📝

In case you missed it, in the most recent edition of the Connecting Communicators eNewsletter, I shared a free tip sheet with 6 Questions to Boost Communications Support and a fillable 30-Second Pitch template.

You can download it here: https://jan-enns-communications.myflodesk.com/boost-communications-support

Or, if you'd like to read the whole eNewsletter, sign up here and I'll send it right over! 📧➡️ https://app.flodesk.com/form/64751fdbe82b9b7afc931483

A quick project scan to help you list the need and make the case + a fillable 30-second pitch template.

09/22/2026

After a summer of communicating about emergencies, uncertainty and immediate needs, we’re shifting gears to another important (and sometimes challenging) communications conversation: helping residents understand local government budgets, priorities, and the decisions behind them. And while it’s obvious for communicators that we need the budget to do this, it’s not always easy to get the funds.

So, how do you get communications on the budget?

This is the topic of the latest Connecting Communicators eNewsletter, which includes some helpful tips and even a handy template you can use to boost your business case for investing in comms. In case you missed it, sign up at the link below and I'll send it over!

I would also love to know...

➡️ What has helped you get the resources you need to do your job well? What has worked?

➡️ Do you still struggle trying to get funds for communications and/or engagement?

Let me know in the comments! 👇

A helpful and uplifting newsletter for communicators in Local Government and the Public Sector throughout BC and Canada.

09/11/2026

09/11/2026

Friday afternoon at the office with our overzealous landscaping crew 😉

06/30/2026

What's on your summer reading list this year? 📖 Here are a few on mine... but I'd love to know what you're reading lately, whether it's work-related or just a fun beach read! Let me know in the comments 👇

Communications-inspired:

📘Anthro-Vision – Gillian Tett

This isn't a communications book, but it probably should be. Gillian Tett argues that before we solve problems, we need to understand how people think, behave and make decisions. It reminded me that the best communicators don't just study communication—they study people. I'm looking forward to finishing it!

📘The Unthinkable – Amanda Ripley

The Unthinkable isn't about emergency plans. It's about people. Amanda Ripley explores why we freeze, why we act and what separates those who cope well in a crisis from those who don't. Thanks to Kari O'Rourke, MA (she/her) for recommending this one. After experiencing the 2023 McDougall Creek wildfire and my own hesitations, I’m ready to tackle this one.

Just for fun:

☀️ Theo of Golden – Allen Levi

I loved this. A quiet novel that stays with you long after you've finished it. Set in a small town, it's a gentle reminder that kindness, friendship and community are often life's greatest joy. Break out the tissue.

☀️ A Year in Provence – Peter Mayle

A delightful classic filled with humour, good food and the simple pleasures of everyday life. It's the kind of book that makes you want to slow down and savour the journey. Now I’m on to the sequel - Toujours Provence.

I'd love to hear what's on your beach chair this summer!

PS: this photo was taken right before Knox suddenly dove into the pool, knocked my book into the water, and stepped on my sunglasses 😂 A good reminder that what you see on social media is often just one part of the story!

06/09/2026

What a fun way to kick off the 2026 Local Government Management Association of British Columbia Communications Forum! Canada’s crisis communications expert, Shawna Bruce, had us laughing, learning, and taking notes with practical advice and stories from the front lines.

05/11/2026

Happy Local Government Awareness Week! 🎉

Wondering how you can participate this year?

➡️ Share your tips, tricks and stories about this year's theme — financial resiliency — so that others may learn and grown from shared experiences.

➡️ Find more information and planning resources: https://www.ubcm.ca/resources/local-government-awareness-week

➡️ In celebration of Asset Management Awareness Day on May 13, Build Your Bench Strength by taking one of our FREE courses (and be entered to win fun prizes while you're at it): https://www.assetmanagementbc.ca/build-your-asset-management-bench-strength/

Share this post to help us spread the word about why Local Government Matters (and why , too!)

Access free training to align your organization on asset management — plus a chance to win one of three AMBC prize packs.

05/04/2026

May 3 - 9 is Emergency Preparedness Week. This week is about encouraging residents to take simple, practical steps to be better prepared for emergencies such as wildfires, floods, extreme weather and power outages.

Here are a few tips to be aware of:

➡️ Sign up for emergency app in your area (Alertable for Central Okanagan): https://www.coemergency.ca/subscribe

➡️ When danger is near, be ready to leave in a moment's notice. I know first-hand that being on evacuation alert is more than having the bags in the garage, waiting to load into the car. It’s about having the car packed and ready to go and not waiting for the order. Because when it comes, it can come fast!

➡️ Learn about what emergency support services are available to you in the instance of evacuation: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/

Learn more: https://www.coemergency.ca/

04/29/2026

If you're looking to strengthen your asset management knowledge or support your team in doing the same, now is the perfect time 😊

In celebration of Asset Management Awareness Day (coming up on May 13), AMBC has launched a contest called "Build Your Asset Management Bench Strength."

Access free training to align your organization on asset management — plus a chance to win one of three AMBC prize packs, including the coveted AMBC shirt!

Please feel free to share this with your teams and organizations to help us spread the word about why

Learn more:

Access free training to align your organization on asset management — plus a chance to win one of three AMBC prize packs.

04/15/2026

Feeling that shift in energy lately? 🌸

As we move into spring, this is such a great window to reconnect, learn something new, and build momentum before summer arrives! And we explored some great opportunities to do just that in the latest Connecting Communicators eNewsletter:

➡️ A chance to expand your knowledge and be entered to win a fun prize with AMBC

➡️ AI in local government (plus a free tip sheet, thanks to the amazing Julie Rogers!)

➡️ The Local Government Management Association of British Columbia Communicators Forum in June

➡️ A few recent studies worth your time

In case you missed it, you can sign up here and I'll send it right over: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/64752124644615ff2d1adef2

What are you focusing on this season? 👇

A helpful and uplifting newsletter for communicators in Local Government and the Public Sector throughout BC and Canada.