Communication

The Role of the Office of Communications

The role of the Office of Communications is to establish, nurture, and sustain a high level of trust in Racine’s municipal government among residents, businesses, visitors, and other key stakeholders. All City departments must maintain the City’s organizational integrity and a positive brand identity through its strategic communications efforts. The Office of Communications oversees the organization’s sharing of timely, accurate, and relevant information to the residents and other stakeholders and prioritizes listening to all audiences as a fundamental means to cultivate trust.

Mission

The Office of Communications’ mission is to enhance and promote the quality of life in Racine—both in the community and within the organization—through creative, strategic, and thoughtful communications.

We inform citizens and City staff of programs, services, and innovations; promote the City’s achievements; and ensure transparency and accountability by maintaining open lines of communication between government and the public.

Responsibilities

Using the tools of technology, public relations, and marketing, our goal is to build a connected community of stakeholders. More specifically, the Office of Communications:

• Strategic Communication Development: Serve as the City’s in-house marketing team, crafting compelling messages that bring municipal work to life.
• Organizational Communications Support: Guide and amplify communications across departments to ensure alignment with the Racine brand.
• Media & Public Information: Act as the primary point of contact for media and the public on City operations. Provide accurate and timely information across City websites, newsletters, social platforms, and press releases.
• Brand Management: Maintain consistency in written and visual identity across all platforms.
• Visual Communication: Use design, photography, and web tools to support impactful storytelling.
• Public Engagement: Develop strategies to involve the community in local government through events, services, and digital tools.
• Emergency Communication: Lead crisis messaging, train spokespeople, and manage media relations during critical events.

Priorities

• Professionalism: Communicate clearly and efficiently using plain, accessible language.
• Consistency: Uphold a unified voice and visual identity across all channels.
• Proactivity: Anticipate community needs and deliver relevant, timely information.
• Inclusivity: Ensure all residents can access and engage with City communications.
• Transparency: Actively listen and respond to public feedback to strengthen government accountability.
• Usefulness: Share content that is informative, interesting, and meaningful.