City of Fort Lauderdale - Public Affairs
City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Venice of America
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Public Affairs


Public Affairs

Public Affairs directs the City's communication efforts by increasing awareness of government services and activities. Information is regularly distributed to residents, businesses, the media, City officials and employees of the City of Fort Lauderdale. Public Affairs serves as an information resource center for the public and employees by developing and implementing public information strategies as well as coordinating internal communications.

Public Affairs is responsible for a variety of communications:

  • Developing and distributing press releases about City activities, programs and news to the media;
  • Managing the function, design and content of the City's website and Intranet;
  • Managing the content on Channel 78, the City's cable-access channel;
    • The channel provides viewers with information about a variety of City-related events, activities and issues. City of Fort Lauderdale Commission meetings and selected Advisory Board meetings are broadcast on Channel 78.
  • Creating the content of the Focus newsletter located on the back of City of Fort Lauderdale utility bill statements sent to private and corporate citizens;
    • Information includes a brief description of three to four City programs or events.
  • Developing messages that are recorded on the City's phone system monthly to inform callers about City, events, services and programs;
  • Assisting the City's departments with public education initiatives and special events;
  • Developing, producing and placing advertising including broadcast and print advertisements in local and national publications and venues;
  • Maintain the Highway Advisory Radio System, or HARS, to provide residents and visitors with public service announcements and up-to-date information about traffic, weather, parking, special events and more. The City's HARS station broadcasts 24 hours a days on radio frequency 1610 AM.
  • Producing publications and collateral materials including:
    • The Civic Association Packet, a monthly letter directed to presidents and newsletter editors of Fort Lauderdale's civic and homeowner associations;
      • The Civic Association Packet keeps residents informed about programs, services, events, activities and city issues. The packet frequently includes brochures, flyers and additional information.
    • Forward, a quarterly newsletter to inform the business community about Fort Lauderdale's business and economic development programs and activities. (Note: Production of Forward is currently on hold.)
    • Brochures, pamphlets and flyers, are created, produced and distributed by the Public Information Office to carry out the public information strategies of City departments.

Citizen Services

The Office of Citizen Services provides responsive and quality customer service to the City Commission, citizens, visitors, and external agencies. The Office is responsible for consolidating and responding to all citizen inquiries and concerns referred by the City Commission, as well as coordinating City Commission requests for information and updates with the appropriate City departments. Additionally, the Office addresses citizen concerns and inquiries that are filed directly with the City Manager's Office. The Office is active in responding to requests from homeowner associations in dealing with issues of concern to the neighborhoods as well as coordinating and facilitating the resolution of these concerns with various City departments.

Records Management

The Records Management division facilitates public access to city records and, in conjunction with the Office of Professional Standards and the City Attorney’s Office, ensures that the city remains in compliance with state public records laws.