Welcome to the Mayor’s Office of Communications. This office works to advance the priorities and accomplishments of Mayor John Whitmire’s Administration and promote transparent, timely, and accurate information to the media and public to help them better understand their municipal government.
The Mayor’s Office of Communications oversees external communications and strategic messaging for Mayor Whitmire.
It guides each City of Houston department and office to ensure alignment with the administration and enhance communications with the citizens of Houston.
The office distributes news releases, records video messages, and maintains several social media platforms.
The office also processes ceremonial documents and provides responsive documents on time in compliance with the Texas Public Information Act.
Mary Benton
Chief of Communications / Senior Advisor to the Mayor
901 Bagby
Houston, TX 77002
PHONE: 832.393.0830 M: 713.208.6229
Mayor Whitmire and Houston First Unveil Master Plan to Transform the Core of East Downtown
Press Release from Houston First Corporation ...
HOUSTON (March 6, 2025) – Mayor John Whitmire and Houston First Corporation today unveiled a transformational master plan to reconnect the city’s East End with downtown, creating a vibrant, walkable convention and entertainment district unlike anyplace else in the nation.
Phase one incorporates a 700,000-square-foot expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) that will provide access to Toyota Center via a new 100,000-square-foot pedestrian plaza. This development will serve as a connection point to future phases of the plan that will redefine downtown’s eastern edge, linking the area’s major facilities and amenities with new public spaces.
“This project is truly transformative for downtown Houston, a lasting legacy that will solidify our position as a top-tier convention and entertainment destination,” said Mayor John Whitmire. “Most importantly, we are creating a space that will build community, foster connection, and shape the future of Houston.”
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS KEY AREAS
Media Inquiries
To ensure a timely response to your deadline, we request that all media inquiries be sent to the following individuals.
Mary Benton
Chief of Communications / Senior Advisor to the Mayor
Office: 832.393.0830
Mobile: 713.208.6229
Mary.Benton@houstontx.gov
Digital Communications and Social Media
The Mayor's Office of Communications shares the mayor’s announcements and priorities via social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
HTV
The Houston Municipal Channel 16 provides coverage of City of Houston council meetings, committee meetings and events led by Mayor Whitmire, City Council and department directors.
There are several ways to watch on the following cable systems:
Comcast (Ch. 16)
Phonoscope (Ch. 73 & 99)
Suddenlink (Ch. 14)
AT&T U-verse (Ch. 99)
Ceremonial Documents
The Mayor's Office of Communications creates proclamations, certificates and letters signed by the mayor to congratulate, honor or recognize a city of Houston resident or organization. Houstonians may request them through our office. PHONE: 832.393.0807 or e-mail ceremonialdocs@houstontx.gov
Full details on how you can obtain a ceremonial document.
Public Information Requests
The Texas Public Information Act (the "TPIA") gives the public the right to request access to government information. Requests for information maintained by the Office of the Mayor may be made in writing or electronically at the following locations:
Submit request via online records portal
Public information requests with the City of Houston
Elizabeth CP Weller M.A. (Primary)
Public Information Officer - MYR
Houston Mayor’s Office of Communications
City Hall 901 Bagby St, 2nd Floor, Houston TX 77002
O: (832) 393-0623
Mary Benton (Backup)
901 Bagby, 2nd Floor, Houston, TX 77002
Houston, TX 77002
(O) 832.393.0830
(FAX) 832.393.0800
Scheduling Requests
All non-media scheduling requests for Mayor Whitmire should be submitted through the Scheduling Office's portal available at https://www.houstontx.gov/myrscheduling/.
PRESS RELEASES
City of Houston to Honor Former Mayor Sylvester Turner
At the family's request, Mayor John Whitmire extends an invitation to the public to join in paying their respects to former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who passed away peacefully last week at the age of 70. ...
03.10.2025
"I was saddened to learn of the death of Congressman and former Mayor Sylvester Turner. My condolences go out to his daughter, Ashley, and his entire family during this difficult time." ...
03.05.2025
The City of Houston Awards $131,600 to Projects Promoting Arts, Tourism and Disaster Resilience
The City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) is awarding $131,600 in grants to 13 individuals and nonprofit organizations whose work furthers cultural tourism and resilience throughout the city of Houston. ...
02.14.2025
Mayor Whitmire Releases Results of Citywide Efficiency Study
Today, Mayor John Whitmire and his senior leadership team outlined the results of a citywide efficiency study focusing on the City of Houston's 22 municipal departments. The report highlighted findings that include non-compliant use of ...
02.12.2025
MORE FROM THE MOC
Photo Galleries
- 01.13.2025 -- Ric Campo Reappointed Chairman of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority
- 09.17.2024 -- Mayor John Whitmire's 2024 State of the City Address
- 05.07.2024 -- Mayor Whitmire, METRO Celebrate Groundbreaking of Westheimer Paving Project
- 01.18.2024 -- Prioritizing Public Safety
- 01.15.2024 -- January Winter Storm
