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 Seal

Mayor Whitmire's Statement on Houston Police Officer Who Was Shot and Injured

This morning, I was informed by Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz that an officer had been shot while courageously responding to a home invasion. I am relieved to report that the officer has been transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital and is in stable condition. ...

09.17.2024

Mayor Whitmire with HPD Recruits

Mayor Whitmire Announces Raise and Incentives for Houston Police Cadets, Strategy Will Increase Recruiting for New Officers

Today, Mayor John Whitmire reaffirmed his commitment to public safety and the Houston Police Department by announcing a $10,000 raise for police cadets and additional incentives to recruit and retain new officers. ...

09.09.2024

City Hall Photo

Mayor Whitmire's August Update Newsletter

This month marks significant changes in leadership within our city's public safety departments. We have welcomed new leadership in both the Houston Police Department and the Houston Fire Department, ensuring that our city's safety remains in capable hands. ...

08.30.2024

Mayor Whitmire and Sandy Gaw

Mayor Whitmire Appoints Sandy Gaw as Houston Public Library Director

Mayor John Whitmire announced the appointment of long-time educator Sandy Gaw as the new Houston Public Library Director. Her appointment is effective immediately following her confirmation by the City Council on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024. ...

08.28.2024