Stockton Municipal Code Art. 1 General Communication Guidelines

1. The City has a responsibility to clearly report to the public it serves the actions and conduct of city government in all of its complexity. This policy intends to ensure that relevant information is communicated to the public and that it is timely, accurate, and distributed properly.

2. The City will use media coverage to generate interest, encourage involvement, increase understanding, and provide a vital link between all citizens and their governments.

3. The City will dedicate sufficient staff to initiate and maintain contacts with media representatives, develop and distribute information, plan and implement information campaigns, monitor media reports, and look for opportunities to highlight the positives of our community.

4. City leaders will be available for interviews, respond promptly to requests for information in order to facilitate effective communication with citizens and to ensure that news reports are timely and accurate.

5. The Mayor, Councilmembers, City Manager, and department heads shall make major announcements and respond to questions when the issues or policies are controversial or sensitive.

6. Community Relations and Public Information staff will help the media gain access to elected officials, employees, and public records.

7. The City Manager shall develop and maintain an administrative directive to guide City of Stockton communications.

Mayor, Councilmembers, City Manager, and Department Heads:

1. Make major announcements.

2. Respond to questions regarding controversial or sensitive issues or policies.

Stockton City Charter, Article III, Powers of the City.

Stockton City Charter, Article XI-A, Public Information Office

Government Code, Section 54950, the Ralph M Brown Act

Citywide Policies and Procedures, Chapter 13 – Communication

The examples provided in Responsibilities, Relevant Authority, and Related Administrative Directive sections of the Council Policies are intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive.

9/29/98 - Adopted by Resolution No. 98-0409

1/26/16 - Amended by Resolution No. 2016-01-26-1203

6/18/24 - Amended by Resolution No. 2024-06-18-1204