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

Frame Dance

City of Houston Awards Grants to Projects Amplifying Artistic Creativity and Innovation

The City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) is awarding $71,500 in grants to 29 individuals and nonprofit organizations for specific programs that amplify artistic creativity and innovation taking place in the City of Houston. ...

10.03.2024

Theatre of Harlem Master Class

The City of Houston Awards $100,000 to Projects Promoting Arts Tourism and Disaster Resilience

The City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) is awarding $130,833 in grants to seven individuals and nonprofit organizations whose work furthers cultural tourism and resilience throughout the city of Houston. ...

10.02.2024

Hispanic Heritage Award Winners

Mayor Whitmire Honors Outstanding Individuals During Hispanic Heritage Month

Mayor John Whitmire and the Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Board have officially kicked off a month-long celebration of Hispanic culture and accomplishments by recognizing several exemplary individuals who have made outstanding contributions to improving the quality of life within the Houston Hispanic community. ...

10.02.2024

Houston City Hall

Mayor Whitmire's September Update Newsletter

As Mayor of this great city, one of my most important responsibilities is ensuring that our first responders and city workers -- those who serve us every day—are recognized and fairly compensated for the vital work they do. This year, we successfully increased compensation for these dedicated individuals, acknowledging their invaluable service to Houston. ...

10.01.2024