Overview of New Communication Guidelines

In an effort to streamline public communications and maintain consistent messaging, the city has introduced new protocols for its departments. This initiative is led by the communications director, Nina Negusse, along with Press Secretary Charles Lutvak, during recent weekly meetings with public information officers across various city departments.

Pre-Approval Requirement

Under the newly established guidelines, all official statements originating from city departments will now require prior approval from the mayor’s office. This step aims to consolidate communication strategies and ensure that all public messaging aligns with the city’s political and operational priorities.

Media Inquiry Protocols

City departments are mandated to notify the mayor’s office regarding certain categories of media inquiries. These categories include:

• Inquiries considered politically sensitive
• Any media request that references the mayor’s office
• Topics related to changes in city policy
• Criticism directed at the mayor or the city
• Issues likely to draw national media attention
• Topics that involve collaboration among multiple departments

These stipulations are designed to manage public perceptions and ensure that the mayor’s office is adequately briefed on potentially contentious issues.