Communications Office

The City’s Communications Office guarantees that residents, employees and the public at-large are kept accurately informed of City government services, activities and programs in a timely, effective and efficient manner.

The Communications Office facilitates public access to information, heightens awareness of government services and serves as a clearinghouse for all official government communications with the public and media.

Stay Informed:

Latest News (news releases)
Newsletters:
- CitE-News (City's weekly electronic newsletter)
- ActivtiE-News (Park's monthly electronic newsletter)
- Re:Source (Public Services quarterly newsletter distributed with utility bills)
Social Media - Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn
The Rouss Review Podcast - Listen
publiCITY News Show - Watch Now
OpenGov Transparency Tools:
Mobile App (access City information and submit service requests) - Download
Citibot - Text "hello" to 540-701-3311 and Citibot will answer your question or submit your service request
Comcast Cable channel 6
Publications - Annual Informational Calendar (see below), Annual Reports, Brochures, Budget In Brief, etc.
Get alerts: Sign up for the City's Notification System
Reports:
- City Manager's Week In Review (posted every Monday)
- Police Arrest Log and Call Blotter (posted daily)
- Crime Statistics (monthly)
- Fire and Rescue Incidents (posted every Thursday)
- Building Permits (posted monthly)

Community Liaison Program

The City is seeking representatives from Winchester city community and neighborhood groups that can partner with the communications team and help improve communication with residents. The representatives will serve as liaisons between the group/neighborhood and the City. When Council and City staff are discussing topics that may impact residents, these representatives will help disseminate the information to their group. Also, when community and neighborhood groups have questions or comments, the representative will gather and relay the information to the City and start the two-way conversation.

If you're interested in participating, submit the online form or contact the City's Communications Director at 540-667-1815, ext. 1670 or email.

Learning Programs

Discover more about your local government, meet staff and officials and learn about services provided to the community.

Program	Topics	Held	Ages	More Info
INSIGHT Citizen's Academy	City government daily operations & decision-making processes	January-April	16+	Link
Citizen Police Academy	Winchester Police services and divisions	Spring & Fall Sessions	18+	Link
Teen Citizen Police Academy	Winchester Police services and divisions	November	13-17	Link
Junior Academy	Winchester Police services and recruit activities	April, July & September	5-8	Link
Kids & Cops Camp	Law enforcement and summer fun	June	9-12	Link
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)	Get training to help in emergencies until first responders arrive.	As needed	18+	Link

Annual Informational Calendar & Photo Contest

The City's informational calendar is produced each year and distributed to all 22601 residences in mid-December (FREE). Get the information you need all year long about trash/recycling collection holiday changes, public meetings, City facility closures, City-sponsored events, government services information, and much more. The beautiful photos are submitted during the annual photo contest by local residents (see below for details).

Calendars will also be available for pickup at the following locations beginning December 18, 2019:

Visitor Center, 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Road (7 days a week, 9 am-5 pm)
Jim Barnett Park Rec Center, 1001 E. Cork Street (M-F, 5:30 am-9:30 pm | SAT, 9 am-6 pm | SUN, 12-6 pm)
Old Town Welcome Center, 33 E. Boscawen Street (M-SAT, 8 am-5 pm)
Rouss City Hall, 15 N. Cameron Street (M-F, 8 am-5 pm)

2020 Calendar

View 2020 Calendar

2020 Annual Photo/Art Contest

Each year, the City invites area residents (hobbyists and professional) to submit their photos for possible inclusion in the City's annual informational calendar. For the 2021 calendar, we'll be accepting photos and original artwork entries for the 2020 photo and art contest. Deadline will be in October 2020 (submissions accepted year-round). Details coming soon.

City Communications Overview

Watch the below publiCITY episode on the various communications efforts of the City.

Printable Brochure

Citibot

The City has launched Citibot, a new way for local residents and visitors to get answers to their questions via text. Citibot also integrates with the City's 3-1-1 system allowing users to text their service request without having to log in or create an account.

We Want Your Feedback

The City strives to provide the information our residents, property owners and business owners want to know. Not getting what you want? Help us improve by telling us what you'd like to receive and how.