But there’s been another trend of late that Government Technology's editors have noticed: Some public agencies are getting good — really good — at Twitter. They not only communicate that essential information to followers, but they get in on memes, connect their own content to seemingly unrelated trending topics and they’re just, well, funny.
So in advance of the long holiday weekend — and so as many of our readers as possible get to appreciate the work public-sector agencies are doing on Twitter before it potentially disappears (as of the time of this writing, rumors of the site’s demise have lessened, but we’re not taking bets either) — here’s a roundup of just a few of the government social media accounts we’re thankful for.
OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION (@OKWildlifeDept)
From espousing the wonders of gar with Gar Week to trying to lure people out of line for Taylor Swift tour tickets, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) has found the perfect mix of information and humor.
If you love something,
— Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (@OKWildlifeDept) November 18, 2022
set it free.
unless it's a wild animal - you should have never had that in the first place
And Oklahoma DWC isn’t the only state wildlife agency killing the game (pardon the pun). Check out Georgia, Colorado, Utah and North Carolina’s offerings, to name just a few.
solid advice. https://t.co/xenGd3vbHd
— Georgia DNR Wildlife (@GeorgiaWild) November 16, 2022
NORTHEAST OHIO REGIONAL SEWER DISTRICT (@NEORSD)
The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District has long been aGTTwitter favorite, having gained a national following for its unique blend of sewer humor, community engagement and helpful info (just say no to flushable wipes!).
Indiana Jones is trending which means i am required to repost this those are the rules pic.twitter.com/PYRwzDMMxk
— NE Ohio Regional Sewer District (@neorsd) November 19, 2022
NEW JERSEY (@NJGov)
An official state account on Twitter has a lot on its shoulders, but @NJGov is up to the task of both keeping followers apprised of government business and maintaining a healthy rivalry with neighboring Delaware.
We're dressing up like our favorite pet this Halloween.
— New Jersey (@NJGov) October 28, 2022
How about you? pic.twitter.com/TO40FAaoFk
AUBURN, WASH. (@auburn_wa)
Outside Tacoma, Auburn, Wash., is home to about 85,000 residents and an excellent Twitter account, especially considering its small size. We’re particular fans of its interactions with its neighbor, Kent (@cityofkent).
everyone always asks "where is Auburn?" never "how is Auburn?" We're in Washington, by the way. and fine, I guess
— City of Auburn (WA) (@auburn_wa) November 16, 2022
Honorable mention goes to another local Washington state account, the Gig Harbor Police (@GigHarborPolice), who along with posting reminders to lock vehicles and notifications of area vehicle crashes also gets in on the Twitter game:
If The Twitter breaks tonight, do NOT…repeat DO NOT call 911. We have no idea how to fix it.
— Gig Harbor Police (@GigHarborPolice) November 18, 2022
U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (@USCPSC)
While GT is generally in the business of covering state and local government, we’d be remiss to omit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission from this list. The federal agency that keeps us apprised of safety alerts and product recalls is a perennially fun Twitter follow, and Thanksgiving is really its time to shine as is reminds Americans of the hazards of house fires when everyone is cooking turkeys.
Happy Thanksgiving Eve! pic.twitter.com/6at4sSVCCR
— US Consumer Product Safety Commission (@USCPSC) November 23, 2022
