The Power of PR in Government Communications: Case Studies from the Florida Public Sectors

Public perception and trust in government reveals a paradox at the heart of society. While communities demand transparency and accountability, trust in public institutions continues to decline. This is where strategic public relations and public affairs become essential as drivers of civic engagement, legitimacy, and long-term impact. By turning complex policy and decision-making into inclusive, accessible, and community-centered dialogue, PR helps governments earn trust and build stronger connections with the people they serve. 

In cities like Miami, where diverse populations, rapid development, and widening economic gaps converge, this type of communication is mission-critical. The 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer underscores this urgency, showing that only 50% of people worldwide believe their government will do what is right.

When communication fails, skepticism rises. When communication is strategic, transparent and community-centered, governments can rebuild trust and influence in the collective. 

At INGAGE, we’ve seen firsthand how targeted, ethical PR strategies have helped Miami’s public sector agencies foster engagement, correct misinformation, and build authentic community partnerships. Below, we explore three Miami case studies where government communication efforts didn’t just inform—they inspired trust, shaped perception, and galvanized action.

Case Study 1: Revitalizing Communities with the Omni CRA

The Omni Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) oversees the Omni district in Miami with a mission to combat urban blight and stimulate economic development. It reinvests a portion of property tax revenues directly into the community, funding initiatives such as affordable housing, historic preservation, infrastructure improvements, and job creation in underserved neighborhoods including Overtown, Edgewater, and parts of Downtown Miami. Its success lies at the intersection of public private partnerships and working together to drive economic development for underserved communities. 

As the official public relations agency of record for the Omni Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), INGAGE played a central role in transforming the public perception of a once-controversial entity. Marred by scandal under prior leadership, the Omni CRA has since emerged as a blueprint for how local governments can rebuild public trust.

Through a refreshed messaging strategy focused on affordable housing, historic preservation, community revitalization, and economic development, our public relations and social media teams centered the narrative around the Omni CRA’s transformative projects, the strength of its partnerships, and its measurable impact on the neighborhoods it serves. By shifting the focus to the meaningful change the agency delivers alongside its partners, we were able to reignite credibility, foster trust, and showcase the Omni CRA as a force for inclusive progress in Miami.

Our efforts included targeted media relations, community influencer engagement, consistent social media storytelling, statewide award wins, and active community engagement that not only humanized the agency’s mission but also built meaningful relationships with residents, stakeholders, and policy-makers.

Case Study 2: Building Resilience Through The Underline

The Underline is Miami’s transformative linear park and multi-modal mobility corridor, repurposing underutilized land under the Metrorail into a vibrant 10-mile urban trail and public space. As a notable public-private partnership, The Underline connects neighborhoods, promotes sustainable transportation, and creates new green spaces in the heart of the city while also addressing key environmental and resiliency challenges facing Miami’s urban core.

As the communications partner for The Underline, INGAGE plays a pivotal role in building and sustaining support from the community, the City of Miami, as well as private donors and corporate partners throughout the project’s multi-phase construction. 

Through a comprehensive communications approach that includes town hall-style announcements, targeted media relations, strategic influencer engagement, and dynamic visual storytelling across social media, our public relations and social media teams highlighted the nonprofit’s broader environmental, economic and social benefits such as reducing car dependency, improving climate resilience through bioswales and microforests, and creating safe, accessible public spaces for all with more than 200 community events throughout the year. 

Well on its way to becoming recognized as a global destination and a must-visit attraction for both residents and tourists, our team continues to help elevate The Underline’s profile through strategic brand-building initiatives including the launch of the inaugural Sneaker Ball, an annual signature event poised to become Miami’s own version of the Met Gala by celebrating urban culture, community, and innovation.

Case Study 3: Strengthening Civic Engagement with the City of Palmetto

The City of Palmetto, located in Manatee County, Florida, is experiencing a period of dynamic growth and transformation. Recognizing the critical role that clear, strategic communication plays in building public trust, the City appointed INGAGE as its marketing and public relations partner to enhance transparency, drive civic engagement, and strengthen community pride.

Through a comprehensive strategy blending proactive media relations, digital engagement, and community storytelling, INGAGE is helping the City of Palmetto elevate its visibility and connect more authentically with residents, businesses, and key stakeholders. Our work includes targeted media outreach to promote city initiatives, expanded social media programming to foster two-way dialogue with the public, and a consistent stream of updates on key issues such as infrastructure improvements, economic development, historic preservation, and public safety initiatives.

By positioning city leaders as trusted voices on critical topics and amplifying milestones through groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, and community forums, we are helping the City of Palmetto build a stronger public presence and reinforce its mission of creating a safe, healthy, and sustainable community. Our approach ensures that residents not only stay informed, but also feel seen, heard, and included in shaping the city's future.

This partnership showcases how a focused and multi-channel marketing strategy can support government institutions in achieving their long-term goals while strengthening public trust and civic participation.

Key PR Takeaways for Government Communicators:

• Localize the impact: Always tie messaging back to real, tangible benefits for residents' daily lives.
  
  
• Humanize the agency: Center communication around community voices and lived experiences to build authenticity and trust.
  
  
• Be transparent early and often: Consistent, proactive communication strengthens credibility and helps prevent misinformation.
  
  
• Leverage strong visuals: Compelling imagery and design make messages more engaging, memorable, and shareable across platforms.

Final Thoughts

As Miami and communities across Florida continue to grow and diversify, the need for thoughtful, strategic public communications is vital. Strategic communications directly impacts the bottom line and is critical in building trust, accelerating civic engagement, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and securing public support for major initiatives. In an environment where public skepticism is high and transparency expectations are even higher, the ability to shape narratives, inform communities, and demonstrate accountability is essential for success and growth.

At INGAGE, we help public sector clients lead with credibility, consistency, and purpose, ensuring that communications inform and inspire confidence to create a lasting impact.

Learn more about how strategic communications can drive real impact by reading our recent blog about the power of PR and public affairs and how strategic communications play a crucial role in shaping constituent advocacy.

We invite you to connect with us to explore how strategic communications can elevate your next public initiative. Let's INGAGE.