The Daily Grind of Civic Communication
City communication is not a highlight reel.
It’s triage. Education. Expectation-setting.
In this conversation, Dan Garrett, Director of Communications and Media Relations for the City of Topeka, explains what it really means to help a city talk to itself.
His path from on-air reporter to public sector communicator shapes how he operates: fast, factual, deadline-driven.
When storms hit, rumors spread, or residents want potholes fixed yesterday, the job isn’t hype.
It’s clarity.
That means:
Updating websites and social channels
Coordinating with local media
Sharing information about rental assistance, sidewalk cost-share programs, and housing resources
It’s not glamorous.
But it’s essential.
The Pothole Paradox
Residents want two things at the same time:
No construction.
No potholes.
In a Midwest city with freeze-thaw cycles, that pairing doesn’t exist.
Public works crews fill hundreds of potholes each week, often using temporary cold-weather patching until hot mix plants reopen in spring.
Communicating that nuance is hard.
That’s why the city shares weekly repair numbers — to show progress and give credit to crews.
Garrett encourages residents to report issues directly through SeeClickFix instead of venting online. Actionable reports move work orders. Viral rants do not.
He also reminds residents that the First Amendment applies. The city generally cannot mute comments, meaning public frustration plays out visibly.
Transparency comes with noise.
Crisis Communication on a Tightrope
Topeka’s once-in-a-century snow and ice storm was a stress test.
The city communicated plow routes, salt runs, and street coverage. But when officials said “We’ve hit every street,” many residents heard, “All ice is gone.”
Outrage spiked.
Crews kept working back-to-back shifts.
Another moment came when national media pursued a rumor about a “hate crime” that was actually a police operation to apprehend a suspect.
Garrett verified facts, paused amplification, and contacted reporters to prevent a false national narrative.
Sometimes the best PR is stopping a bad story before it spreads.
Tone Is Strategy
Some brands thrive on snark.
Cities rarely can.
Humor risks looking flippant during emergencies or reinforcing cynicism.
Topeka’s strategy leans informative and steady. Video series like “History of Topeka” and “Behind the Seal” highlight:
Police integration milestones
Historic cemeteries
The daily work of departments residents rarely see
Not everyone is online, so the city still uses banners, library placements, and Channel 4 cable broadcasts.
Tone builds trust.
Not outrage.
Beyond the Comment Section
There is measurable progress beyond social feeds.
Other municipalities study Topeka’s governance model and long-range plans like Momentum 2027.
The State of the Community address now aligns city, county, and tourism efforts.
Even the recent city flag redesign shows how skepticism can flip to pride when process feels open and collaborative.
Garrett also shares the personal side of Topeka:
A growing food scene
Burnett’s Mound hikes
Lake Shawnee weekends
Haunted woods in October
A mid-sized city where you can cross town in minutes.
The Takeaway
Report issues where action happens.
Read beyond headlines.
Measure your city by the work you can see and the plans you can track — not just by the loudest comments under a post.
City communication isn’t marketing.
It’s infrastructure.
🎙 Listen to the Full Episode
Hear the full conversation with Dan Garrett on Speak Insight wherever you stream podcasts.
This article, Beyond the Comments: What It Really Takes To Communicate For Topeka | Dan Garrett, was written by Justin Armbruster of the Armbruster Team at Genesis, LLC, REALTORS®—local experts in Topeka real estate, storytelling, and community connection. Justin is passionate about highlighting the people and institutions shaping Topeka’s future. For more local spotlights and real estate tips, follow Justin on Instagram or call 785-260-4384.