- Podcasts
Podcasts - Videos
Videos - Policy Issues
Policy Issues - About
About
Dane County is joining the move to Bluesky.
The new county executive, Melissa Agard, on Thursday said Dane County will be moving all of its official communications over the new social media app that has become a haven for Democrats, progressives, and liberals since President-Trump’s re-election.
“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,” Agard said in a statement.
Her directive is just part of Dane County’s move away from Twitter.
Former county exec Joe Parisi pulled county government from Twitter in 2023. He claimed his ban was tied to “the increasing prevalence of hate speech and misinformation” on the platform.
“Public communication is a cornerstone of effective governance,” Agard added.
Agard said she is “encouraging” all county departments to create certified Bluesky accounts. She said it’s part of a broader strategy to “to modernize the county’s communication strategies, ensuring that all departments have the tools needed to reach the public in diverse and innovative ways.”
“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,” Agard explained. “By shifting to Bluesky, we are taking a proactive step toward creating a positive, civil digital space for all Dane County residents.”
But switching to Bluesky, and continuing Dane County’s Twitter ban won’t reach nearly as many people.
Bluesky has a reported 24 million users, while Twitter has over 335 million users worldwide.
As of Thursday afternoon’s announcement, Agard’s official Bluesky account had 1,300 followers.
Interested in the content of this Article?
Reach out to the MacIver Institute to aquire more information
