City of Houston Mayor's Office of Communications 

Mayor John WhitmireWelcome to the Mayor’s Office of Communications. This office works to advance the priorities and accomplishments of Mayor John Whitmire’s Administration and promote transparent, timely, and accurate information to the media and public to help them better understand their municipal government.

The Mayor’s Office of Communications oversees external communications and strategic messaging for Mayor Whitmire.

It guides each City of Houston department and office to ensure alignment with the administration and enhance communications with the citizens of Houston.

The office distributes news releases, records video messages, and maintains several social media platforms.

The office also processes ceremonial documents and provides responsive documents on time in compliance with the Texas Public Information Act.


Mary Benton
Director of Communications
901 Bagby
Houston, TX 77002
PHONE: 832.393.0830 M: 713.208.6229

Office of Communications Key Areas chevron_right

Media Inquiries
To ensure a timely response to your deadline, we request that all media inquiries be sent to the following individuals. 

Mary Benton
Chief of Communications / Senior Advisor to the Mayor
Office: 832.393.0830
Mobile: 713.208.6229
Mary.Benton@houstontx.gov

Digital Communications and Social Media
The Mayor's Office of Communications shares the mayor’s announcements and priorities via social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

HTV

The Houston Municipal Channel 16 provides coverage of City of Houston council meetings, committee meetings and events led by Mayor Whitmire, City Council and department directors.
There are several ways to watch on the following cable systems:
Comcast (Ch. 16)
Phonoscope (Ch. 73 & 99)
Suddenlink (Ch. 14)
AT&T U-verse (Ch. 99)

Ceremonial Documents
The Mayor's Office of Communications creates proclamations, certificates and letters signed by the mayor to congratulate, honor or recognize a city of Houston resident or organization. Houstonians may request them through our office. PHONE: 832.393.0807 or e-mail ceremonialdocs@houstontx.gov
Full details on how you can obtain a ceremonial document.

Public Information Requests
The Texas Public Information Act (the "TPIA") gives the public the right to request access to government information. Requests for information maintained by the Office of the Mayor may be made in writing or electronically at the following locations:

Submit request via online records portal
Public information requests with the City of Houston

Elizabeth CP Weller M.A. (Primary)
Public Information Officer - MYR
Houston Mayor’s Office of Communications
City Hall 901 Bagby St, 2nd Floor, Houston TX 77002
O: (832) 393-0623

Mary Benton (Backup)
901 Bagby, 2nd Floor, Houston, TX 77002
Houston, TX 77002
(O) 832.393.0830
(FAX) 832.393.0800

Scheduling Requests
All non-media scheduling requests for Mayor Whitmire should be submitted through the Scheduling Office's portal available at https://www.houstontx.gov/myrscheduling/.

Press Releases chevron_right

City Hall

City of Houston Newsletter -- November Highlights

November was a busy and productive month for my administration. We took significant steps forward, including announcing a comprehensive plan to end street homelessness, introducing new policies to enhance accountability, collaboration, and ...

12.02.2024

City Seal

Citywide Search for Houston's Next Poet Laureate Set to Take Place in Program’s 12th Year

The City of Houston is searching for its next poet laureate. In its 12th year, the Poet Laureate program has selected six poet laureates to represent Houston. ...

11.14.2024

Firefighter Marcelo Garcia

City Council Meeting Postponed to Pay Respects to Fallen Houston Firefighter

Due to the funeral arrangements for Houston firefighter Marcelo Garcia, the City of Houston has postponed this week's consolidated council meeting to Thursday, Nov. 14. There will be no public session on Tuesday, Nov. 12, or meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 13. ...

11.11.2024

Angel Ponce Sworn In

Houston Mayor Whitmire Names New Metro Board Member

Today, City Council unanimously approved Mayor John Whitmire's appointment of Angel Ponce, director of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, to the METRO Board of Directors. Ponce brings over 15 years of experience in advocating for individuals with disabilities and historically underrepresented groups. ...

11.06.2024