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.
We're on Nextdoor. Join our neighborhood and the conversation!
Stay Informed:
- Get alerts: Sign up for the City's Notification System
- Latest News (news releases)
- Newsletters:
- CitE-News (City's weekly electronic newsletter)
- ActivitE-News (Park's monthly electronic newsletter)
- Re:Source (Public Services quarterly newsletter distributed with utility bills)
- Social Media - Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Snapchat (wincva.gov), Instagram (wincvagov), LinkedIn
- The Rouss Review Podcast - Listen
- publiCITY News Show - Watch Now
- OpenGov Transparency Tools:
- Mobile App (access City information and submit service requests) - Download
- NOTE: The City's mobile app is currently unavailable due to maintenance. We apologize for the inconvenience.
- Comcast Cable channel 6
- Publications - Annual Informational Calendar (see below), Annual Reports, Brochures, Budget In Brief, etc.
- Reports:
- Police Arrest Log and Call Blotter (posted daily)
- Crime Statistics (monthly)
- Fire and Rescue Incidents (posted every Thursday)
- Building Permits (posted monthly)
Get Engaged
- Get engaged in your City government. Click here to discover ways you can get involved and be a part of the decision making process. More opportunities are added and information is updated regularly.
- Use our City 311 portal to submit a service request.
- Answer polls and surveys and submit public comments (when available) on our Open Town Hall portal.
- Explore the City's budget and checkbook in real time to see how your tax dollars are spent using our Budget Transparency Tool.
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 (2021 calendars coming mid- to late-December 2020):
- Rouss City Hall, 15 N. Cameron Street (M-F, 8 am-5 pm)
- Visitor Center, 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Road (7 days a week, 9 am-5 pm)
- Creamery Building, 21 S. Kent Street (M-F, 8 am-4:30 pm)
2021 Calendar
NOTE: We still have calendars available! Stop by City Hall or the Visitors Center to get a copy.
2021 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 2022 calendar, we'll be accepting photos and original artwork entries during the 2021 photo and art contest. Deadline is November 1, 2021 (submissions accepted year-round).
Click here for the photo submission form (2022 Calendar).
City Communications Overview
Watch the below publiCITY episode on the various communications efforts of the City.
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.
Other
Other Department Responsibilities:
- Public Records Request (FOIA) requests
- Media Relations
- Records Management
- Marketing and graphic design
- Website content and design
Communications Policies
Use of City Seal or Logo
Sec. 2-2 of the City Code states that the City Seal and City logo can only be used for City of Winchester, VA government purposes. Therefore, the City Seal or logo can not be used by any organization or individual without official authorization from the Winchester Common Council.
Amy Simmons
Communications Director
Rouss City Hall
15 North Cameron Street, 4th Floor
Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 667-1815, ext. 1670
Email
Caitlin Diehl
Communications Manager
Rouss City Hall
15 North Cameron Street, 4th Floor
Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 667-1815, ext. 1440
Email