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:
- 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) - OUT
- 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) - OUT
2020 Calendar
2020 Annual Photo/Art Contest - Postponed
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).
City Communications Overview
Watch the below publiCITY episode on the various communications efforts of the City.
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.
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
Fax (540) 722-3618
Email
Caitlin Squires
Communications Manager
Rouss City Hall
15 North Cameron Street, 4th Floor
Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 667-1815, ext. 1440
Fax (540) 722-3618
Email