Welcome 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.
Chief of Communications / Senior Advisor to the Mayor
901 Bagby
Houston, TX 77002
PHONE: 832.393.0623
PRESS RELEASES
Houston Mayor John Whitmire Meets with New Texas Cities Alliance to Discuss Bipartisan Collaboration
Houston Mayor John Whitmire, the former Dean of the Texas Senate, proudly met with an alliance of 23 Texas Cities committed to bipartisan collaboration to address the needs of their residents...
11.13.2026
Mayor Whitmire, City Council Confirm Herbert Sims as Human Resources Director
As Herbert Sims celebrated his 24th year with the City of Houston, his public service career reached a new milestone at the consolidated City Council meeting on Nov. 10. Mayor John Whitmire and City Council confirmed Sims' appointment as the new Human Resources Director...
11.13.2026
Mayor John Whitmire, City Council Confirm Rebekah Williams as Department of Neighborhoods Director
Accepting her recent appointment as City of Houston Director of Neighborhoods, Rebekah Williams gave a stirring speech about the legacy of public service and the power of having a voice. She received resounding support and encouragement from Mayor John Whitmire and City Council Members at the consolidated City Council meeting on Nov. 10...
11.13.2026
Mayor Whitmire Hosts Groundbreaking for New BARC Adoption Center
The BARC Adoption Center will be a 33,000 square-foot facility that will house more than 125 animals, increasing the capacity of the City’s existing BARC Animal Shelter at 3300 Carr St....
11.12.2026
MORE FROM THE MOC
Photo Galleries
- October 09, 2026 -- Mayor Whitmire Secures New Car for UH Student
- September 24, 2026 -- Let's Play Houston
- August 26, 2026 -- UH Announces Launch of IH3
- August 12, 2026 -- Living Wage for Airport Workers
- August 01, 2026 -- Mayor's Back 2 School & Health Fair
- July 20, 2026 -- Intern Social
- July 15, 2026, 2026 -- Break Ground on Trinity East Village Senior Community in Houston
- July 10, 2026 -- FY 2027 Budget Approved
- June 11- July 19, 2026 -- FIFA World Cup 2026
In The News
Mayor Whitmire and Houston First Unveil Master Plan to Transform the Core of East Downtown
Press Release from Houston First Corporation ...
HOUSTON (March 6, 2025) – Mayor John Whitmire and Houston First Corporation today unveiled a transformational master plan to reconnect the city’s East End with downtown, creating a vibrant, walkable convention and entertainment district unlike anyplace else in the nation.
Phase one incorporates a 700,000-square-foot expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) that will provide access to Toyota Center via a new 100,000-square-foot pedestrian plaza. This development will serve as a connection point to future phases of the plan that will redefine downtown’s eastern edge, linking the area’s major facilities and amenities with new public spaces.
“This project is truly transformative for downtown Houston, a lasting legacy that will solidify our position as a top-tier convention and entertainment destination,” said Mayor John Whitmire. “Most importantly, we are creating a space that will build community, foster connection, and shape the future of Houston.”
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS KEY AREAS
Media Inquiries
To ensure a timely response to your deadline, we request that
all media inquiries be sent to the following individuals.
Office: 832.393.0623
alvaro.ortiz@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,
YouTube, 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
901 Bagby, 2nd Floor, Houston, TX 77002
Houston, TX 77002
(O) 832.393.0623
(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/.