PHOTO #1: The City of Victoria received four statewide awards from the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (TATOA) in 2023. From left are Communications Administrative Assistant Alvesa Odom, Public Safety Communications Manager Lauren Meaux, Senior Police Officer John Turner, Digital Media Specialist Adrian Gonzalez, Library Assistant Andrew Hilburn, Videographer George Partida, Communications Specialist Sam Hankins and Communications Director Ashley Strevel.
Feb. 24 is Government Communicators Day, and the City of Victoria is encouraging residents to stay up to date with their local government and their community by using the free informative resources offered by Communications & Public Affairs.
“Our department strives to keep residents informed about City projects, initiatives, events and breaking news through a variety of accessible channels, allowing residents to receive information in whatever way best fits their needs,” Communications Director Ashley Strevel said. “When residents connect with our department, they receive timely and accurate information straight from the source.”
The Communications & Public Affairs department works with other city departments and local organizations to help share information with residents in many ways. This includes coordinating with City and County agencies for joint communication efforts in emergency situations, as well as large-scale productions such as the annual State of the City address in collaboration with the Victoria Chamber of Commerce.
Some of the communication methods that the City offers include:
- The City View weekly email newsletter
- Alert Center text and email notifications to subscribers
- TV15 (available on local cable channels 15 and 115, and freely online at www.victoriatx.gov/tv15)
- Citizens Academy annual free educational program
- The City of Victoria’s Newsroom webpage (www.victoriatx.gov/newsroom)
- Social media, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, NextDoor and YouTube
- Brochures and printed mailers
- Community engagement events, and more
To learn more, visit www.victoriatx.gov/newsroom.
About Government Communicators Day
PHOTO #2: The City of Victoria Communications & Public Affairs accepted a Savvy Award in the Social Media – Best Campaign Use category during the 3CMA conference in 2023. Shown from left are 3CMA Executive Director Scott Lehtonen, City of Victoria Communications Director Ashley Strevel and 3CMA President Kathy Gilwit.
Government Communicators Day is a national observance organized by the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA) to celebrate the contributions of public communicators across the nation.
“Government Communicators Day is a platform to showcase the pivotal role that public communicators play in shaping public perception, disseminating critical information and fostering community engagement,” said 3CMA Executive Director Scott Lehtonen. “For 364 days of the year, these professionals work tirelessly behind the scenes, and on this day, we aim to bring them into the spotlight they deserve.”