Dane County Executive Melissa Agard Encourages County Departments to Use New Social Media Platform Bluesky

December 05, 2024
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-800-1127
County Executive

MADISON - Dane County Executive Melissa Agard today announced that she is encouraging all Dane County departments to open official Bluesky accounts as part of her ongoing efforts to foster a more open, transparent, and innovative approach to communication with the public.

You can follow County Executive Agard's Bluesky account HERE.

 

Bluesky, a social media platform focused on transparency, moderation, and healthy public discourse, will serve as a new avenue for county government to engage with the community, replacing Twitter (now X), which was banned by former County Executive Joe Parisi in 2023 due to concerns over the increasing prevalence of hate speech and misinformation on the platform.

 

"Public communication is a cornerstone of effective governance," said County Executive Agard. "As we look for innovative ways to engage with the people of Dane County, we must also prioritize platforms that encourage respectful dialogue, transparency, and the sharing of vital information. Bluesky presents a promising alternative, and I am committed to ensuring that our government remains accessible to all residents in a safe, productive platform."

 

Bluesky is designed to give users more control over their experiences, with a focus on reducing harmful content while promoting meaningful conversations. This aligns with Dane County's mission to use technology responsibly, maintain an open dialogue with residents, and communicate important news, updates, and public services in a way that is both inclusive and secure.

 

Agard added, "It’s essential for us to continually adapt to new tools that allow government to communicate with the public in real-time, provide timely updates, and receive feedback from the community. By shifting to Bluesky, we are taking a proactive step toward creating a positive, civil digital space for all Dane County residents."

 

In addition to the new social media direction, Agard emphasized that this move is part of a broader initiative to modernize the county's communication strategies, ensuring that all departments have the tools needed to reach the public in diverse and innovative ways.

 

For more information on Dane County’s new communication strategy and upcoming social media changes, please contact the Dane County Executive's Office execmedia@danecounty.gov.