Farmers Branch staff presents draft media engagement guidelines; council to add to new‑member orientation

At the Nov. 4, 2025 Farmers Branch City Council study session, Stacy Henderson, director of administrative services, presented draft media engagement guidelines intended to help council members coordinate factual communications and avoid unintentional violations of open‑meetings or public‑information rules.

Henderson told the council: “These draft guidelines…outline the role of counsel, the role of staff, as well as they really reinforce a unified communication plan so that we're putting out a consistent fact based accurate messaging so that we can speak as a city as one voice.” She said the guidelines align with the Open Meetings Act and the Public Information Act and advised council members to use disclaimers when expressing individual opinions that differ from an adopted council position.

Council members supported guidance that distinguishes factual information coordination from personal opinion. Councilman Neal, who requested the item, said he did not “intend to infringe on anybody's First Amendment right” but wanted basic guidance and training so new council members and mayors understand the parameters for public statements. Several members suggested appointing a media liaison and broadening outreach to bilingual media when appropriate.

The council directed staff to include the draft guidelines in the new‑council orientation packet and to explore periodic training (annual or semiannual). No formal policy or ordinance was adopted at the study session; staff reiterated existing ethics processes and advised referring unusual legal questions to the city attorney.

Council communications staff (Christian, communications director) was identified as a resource for consistent messaging and to serve as a primary contact for reporters when appropriate.