City Communications & Marketing

It is the mission of the City's Communications & Marketing Department to document, share, and provide access to information about the City's work and facilitate the work of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee in stewarding Port Townsend as a destination. Coordination of internal and external communications across the City's work is a primary function of the department. 

The department was created in May 2023 with the formation of the position of Communications & Marketing Manager, now a Director position. The position is 50% City Communications funded from the General Fund Budget, and 50% Destination Marketing from the Lodging Tax Budget. 
 

Media Inquiries

If you are a member of the press, please submit your inquiries via email to Communiations & Marketing Director who will coordinate a response with the Director team and other staff. The City Manager or Acting City Manager will also handle media inquiries and coordinate a response.

Requests for interviews and responses are coordinated through the Communications & Marketing Department. We can schedule City representatives within their availability and ensure responses to inquiries are handled in a timely manner.

We enjoy working with all our local and regional newsrooms on stories that matter to the community and want to make sure our media outlets are aware of the copious resources available on the City’s website, in our archives, City newsletters, and other communications channels.

• Attending City Council meetings: We find it is helpful when reporters either attend City Council meetings or watch the recording when covering the City’s work. We want to help reporters efficiently connect with the team member who has expertise on the subject they are following. City staff appreciate the opportunity to connect with reporters following Council meetings.

City Council Meetings are held the first three Mondays per month at 6:00PM, unless otherwise noticed. Meetings are available to join remotely over Zoom and are recorded.  For in-person attendance go to the Historic City Hall Council Chambers (the oldest continually used Council Chambers in the State of Washington):

540 Water Street
Port Townsend, 98368

There is ADA access off of Madison Street. 

• Be sure to sign up for the City eNewsletter. This is often where City staff will post upcoming open houses, current or future projects, and perspectives from Councilmembers and staff. This is also where we celebrate our staff and we invite our local media to join us in ensuring it is not just the work that is seen, but also the people behind the work.
   
• Use the search function on this website for background information, Council meeting calendars and agenda items, and much more. While the website will undergo an overhaul this year, the search function can help pull up archived background resources, including an additional built-in search function for topics covered in City Council and Advisory Board meetings, found on the Agendas and Meetings page.
   
• There are many other ways to stay engaged, get to know City staff and their work, and stay informed for stories that unfold over many years. Contact the Director of Communications & Marketing for a conversation about your media outlet’s needs.

City Meetings Calendar notifications: Click “City Meetings” at the top: https://cityofpt.us/newsletter/subscriptions

Library newsletter and other lists: https://libraryaware.com/3548/Subscribers/Subscribe

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityofPT/

EngagePT Hot Topics – where we post info about past, present, and future projects that are high up in the community conversation: https://cityofpt.us/engagept/

Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review Website (managed by consultant): https://www.pt2045planning.org/

Shoreline Master Program Website (managed by consultant): https://engage.ahbl.com/port-townsend-smp-update

Looking to submit a Public Records Request?

The Communications & Marketing Department does not oversee this essential function for the City - it is handled by the Public Records Officer under the direction of the Finance Department. Visit the Public Records page to find the request form. 

Reporting on an ongoing or active police investigation?

Contact the Port Townsend Police Department.