They manage all public information, government relations, marketing and public education activities for the City of Wichita. The team’s duties include marketing and advertising City programs, public education on City government and specific issues affecting the public and oversight of the City TV Cable Channel 7.

The team is located in the City Manager’s Office and comprised of the following:

Public Information Office provides overall direction, management and implementation of the City of Wichita’s public information, media communications, employee communications and public relations programs. The PIO is the City spokesperson with the media, responds to press inquiries, facilitates the Kansas Open Records Act requests, issues press releases and conducts press conferences.

Media Relations

• Work with media for accurate and timely reporting of City government issues
• Media training for elected leaders and employees

Publications/Communications

• Write speeches for City officials
• Write/produce/advise on external communication for all City Departments
• Oversee internal communications including employee newsletter, E-mail notices
• Make public presentations on media/government relations

Events/Ceremonies

• Plan/coordinate official events, groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, etc.

Intergovernmental Relations serves as the City’s lobbyist and represents the City of Wichita during the legislative session in Topeka, and throughout the entire year. This section also serves as the liaison with local and county governments, State and Federal officials as well as governmental organizations such as the National League of Cities, Kansas League of Municipalities and others.

Legislative Activities

• Prepare Legislative agenda
• Lobby State Legislature
• Liaison with State lawmakers
• Liaison with Congress
• Research legislative policy

Public/Political Analysis

• Provide situational and political analysis
• Advise on political and public strategies

Intergovernmental Activities

• Liaison with area governments
• Contact for National League of Cities
• Contact for League of Municipalities
• Make public presentations on Legislative action/lobbying

Marketing Services directs the City’s external marketing, advertising and communication strategies to convey the message that Wichita is a great place to live, work and play. This service organizes groundbreakings, ribbon-cuttings and dedications to enhance the City’s image. The transition of City7 into a viable channel included developing new monthly programs. The City of Wichita Communications Team strives to increase public awareness, interest, understanding and participation in City accomplishments and issues, supporting its role as an effective, efficient and open government.

External Marketing

• Directs all marketing, advertising and communications strategies
• Promote Wichita as a great place to live, work and play
• Improving the City of Wichita’s corporate image nationally in effort to attract tourism and economic development benefits

Back to Top