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Mayor Benz explains new direction following an inquiry from the Green Party
The science city of Darmstadt is realigning its communication strategy and plans to focus even more on social media in the future. Mayor Hanno Benz used the response to a parliamentary inquiry from the Green Party's city council group on June 27, 2025, to outline the strategy in detail.
“Social networks are an integral part of the communication mix – also in Darmstadt,” Benz emphasizes. The goal is to establish social media as a natural part of the city's public relations – both for service information from the administration, contributions to local political decisions and city measures, as well as for citizen dialogue or rapid communication in crisis situations.
New Office for Communications established
With the establishment of the Office for Communications at the beginning of 2024, the city initiated a comprehensive transformation process in its public relations. The former press office has been transformed into a central unit that will operate with a thematic focus rather than solely relying on specific 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 departments and offices. Furthermore, the city's presence on social media is being continuously expanded – most recently, for example, through 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 will consider introducing other channels such as TikTok," the mayor announced.
Benz also highlights previous initiatives: For the 2024 European elections, the city launched a pro-European campaign with calls to vote, followed in January 2025 by a joint statement from the entire city council on the international commemoration of the victims of National Socialism.
Participation of all departments is possible
Taking into account the press relations regulations issued in 2021, department heads can also be active through the Office for Communications. 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)
