S4 E4: The Intersection of Public Relations and Public Policy with Chip Taylor

Public policy, public affairs, and public relations are interconnected fields that shape the relationship between government, civil society, and the public. In this episode, Chip Taylor discusses the role of public relations in influencing public policy. He explains the differences between public affairs, public policy, and public relations, highlighting how lobbying and advocacy are subsets of PR.

Chip emphasizes the importance of consistency in messaging and coordination between PR practitioners and elected officials. He also explores various tactics for impacting public policy, such as social media campaigns, thought leadership pieces, and grassroots efforts. Finally, he provides insights into measuring the impact of PR campaigns and navigating the ever-changing landscape of elected officials.

Key Takeaways

• Public affairs encompasses issues affecting civil society, while public policy focuses on the government's effect on civil society through regulation and legislation.
• Public relations is a broader field that includes lobbying and advocacy as subsets, specifically targeting elected officials and legislative bodies.
• PR practitioners can influence public policy by setting the stage, laying the groundwork, and creating an environment for beneficial conversations to take place.
• Consistency in messaging is crucial, whether through media relations, special events, or public policy conversations.
• Social media campaigns, op-eds, letters to the editor, and thought leadership pieces are effective tactics for impacting public policy.
• Grassroots efforts, where passionate individuals engage directly with elected officials, can be more impactful than professional advocates.
• Building relationships with elected officials and providing ongoing education on issues are essential for successful public policy strategies.

About the Guest

John (Chip) Taylor is Vice President of Novitas Communications, a full-service public relations firm located in Denver, CO. He has worked in the Colorado public policy and government relations environment for three decades. Chip is an expert in issue management, effective messaging, and coalition building. A recovering attorney, he also specializes in policy analysis and regulatory issues. For over 20 years, Chip was a lobbyist and spokesperson for Colorado’s county commissioners, at one time or another covering virtually every topic of county interest. Ultimately, Chip served eight years as the executive director of Colorado Counties, Inc., the statewide association of county commissioners, elevating the visibility and influence of Colorado’s counties in regional organizations, national organizations and policy debates.

Chip has professionally immersed himself in Colorado policy for most of his career. As a young lawyer for the Colorado General Assembly, he focused primarily on tax, finance, election, and education law, including implementation of the TABOR and Great Outdoors Colorado constitutional amendments. Chip also served as the county administrator for Ouray County in 1998 and 1999, and as executive director of the county insurance pools until 2022. He received both his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University and practiced civil litigation in Southern California before moving to Colorado in 1992.

About the Host

Abbie Fink is president of HMA Public Relations in Phoenix, Arizona and a founding member of PRGN. Her marketing communications