Mayor Benz explains new direction after request from the Greens
The Science City of Darmstadt is reorienting its communications and intends to place even greater emphasis on social media in the future. Mayor Hanno Benz used the opportunity to respond to a parliamentary question from the Green Party's city council on June 27, 2025, to outline the strategy in detail.
"Social networks are an integral part of the communications mix – also in Darmstadt," Benz emphasizes. The goal is to establish social media as a natural part of the city's public relations work – both for administrative service information, contributions to municipal policy decisions and municipal measures, as well as for citizen dialogue and rapid communication in the event of a crisis.
New Office for Communications established
With the establishment of the Office of Communications in early 2024, the city initiated a comprehensive transformation process in public relations. The former press office was transformed into a central unit that will focus on specific topics rather than solely on channels. The establishment of a newsroom is planned for the future.
Initial steps have already been implemented: The office is also reviewing the structures within the city administration's offices and departments. Furthermore, the city's presence on social networks is being continuously expanded – most recently, for example, with the launch of a WhatsApp channel .
Expansion of the canals planned
“The Science City of Darmstadt will further expand its social media presence, for example on LinkedIn, and examine the introduction of additional channels such as TikTok,” announced the mayor.
Benz also highlights previous accents: For the 2024 European elections, the city launched a pro-European campaign with calls to vote, followed in January 2025 by a joint statement by the entire city council on the international commemoration of the victims of National Socialism.
Participation of all offices possible
Taking into account the press relations regulations issued in 2021, the department heads can also engage through the Communications Office. Examples include contributions from Mayor Barbara Akdeniz on Children's Hospice Day or from Benz himself, then head of the sports department, on "Jersey Day 2025."
“Other offices and departments are also expressly invited to contribute their ideas and suggestions,” said the mayor.
Further information about the city can be found at www.darmstadt.de
(Darmstadt - Red/PSD/HO)
