Farmers Branch Development News

City Council Receives Training on Media Engagement, Open Meetings, and Public Information Acts

Ariel Wallace, Communications Manager, presented media engagement guidelines to the Mayor and City Council. The guidelines emphasize accurate, unified, and transparent communication, aligning with the Texas Open Meetings Act and Public Information Act. Key principles include professionalism, maintaining a friendly and respectful tone, and distinguishing personal views from official council positions. Council members are advised to express individual policy views using disclaimers, refer media to the city manager for operational questions or when uncomfortable, and notify the city manager of all media interactions. Discussion of confidential matters, personnel issues, procurement, or litigation with the media is to be avoided. During crises, a unified voice is recommended, and council members should avoid independent statements. Social media use should promote city programs, repost city content, and respond to comments factually, ensuring content is fact-checked. The city attorney also provided training on the Open Meetings Act and Public Information Act, detailing rules on public gatherings, walking quorums, agendas, public attendance, executive sessions, and record disclosure, emphasizing the importance of compliance to avoid criminal and civil penalties.