About Dave Reno

Hi, I’m Dave.
I work at the intersection of communications and public service, focusing on clarity, trust, and practical problem-solving.

My work centers on helping public-sector teams explain complex topics, engage communities, and communicate in ways that are clear, accessible, and grounded in real-world constraints. My approach to public communication is nationally recognized as a model practice by the American Public Works Association.

This site highlights selected portfolio work, along with writing about communication, community engagement, and the systems behind public-sector work.

Downtown Kansas City, Missouri landscape photo taken during the fall with vibrant trees and deep, cloudy skies.
Downtown Kansas City, Missouri landscape photo taken during the fall with vibrant trees and deep, cloudy skies.

Photography Highlights

A selection of my photography work.

Urban mural of a labor figure on the Kansan Building, with selective color against a grayscale streetscape.
Urban mural of a labor figure on the Kansan Building, with selective color against a grayscale streetscape.

Graphic Design Highlights

A selection of my design work.

Educational Public Works poster explaining which items should not be flushed to protect wastewater systems.
Educational Public Works poster explaining which items should not be flushed to protect wastewater systems.

Experience Matters
My work is grounded in private and public-sector communication, where clarity, trust, and accountability are essential. I focus on designing communication approaches that help organizations explain complex decisions, engage communities, and operate more transparently.

This experience spans long-term planning, day-to-day public communication, and high-visibility issues where coordination, consistency, and follow-through matter.

Focus Areas

Communication Strategy & Planning
Research-driven communication planning that aligns policy, operations, and public understanding.

Public-Sector Messaging & Plain Language
Clear, accessible writing for complex or technical topics, designed for non-expert audiences.

Crisis & Long-Running Issue Communication
Structured communication for issues that evolve over time and require sustained public trust.

Evaluation & Continuous Improvement
Defining objectives, measuring outcomes, and refining strategies based on data and feedback.

Downtown Kansas City, Missouri landscape photo taken during the fall with vibrant trees and deep, cloudy skies.
Downtown Kansas City, Missouri landscape photo taken during the fall with vibrant trees and deep, cloudy skies.

My approach to public outreach has been nationally recognized as a model practice by the American Public Works Association.