Redmond hires communications manager; council seeks larger presence in city newsletters and social media

Deputy Director Lisa Maher briefed the Parks and Environmental Sustainability Committee of the Whole on June 24 about council communications and introduced Kelly Schutz, the city's new communications and marketing manager.

Maher said Schutz joined the city on May 6 and has 15 years of communications experience, including nine years with Seattle Sounders FC. Maher also outlined current council communications work: three council conversation events per year, one town hall, expanded promotion for those events, weekly staff messaging, press releases and four quarterly “focus” newsletters.

Council President Kritzer and Vice President Forsyth welcomed Schutz and asked for a more visible council presence in city publications. Kritzer said she and other council members work with the council liaison and would like a regular council section in the city newsletter to highlight council outreach and community engagement. Vice President Forsyth asked for a more robust “focus” newsletter presence and greater use of city social media to highlight council activity.

Council Member Fields raised a constituent-service concern: residents do not always know how to bring issues to council or where public testimony opportunities are available. Council members asked staff to make engagement pathways clearer in communications materials.

Maher said staff will bring back recommendations based on council feedback and that the communications team is prepared to expand promotional work for council events and outreach. Schutz said she looks forward to focusing on municipal communications and community engagement in her new role.