The City of Round Rock’s Communications and Marketing Department won nine statewide awards for the team’s communication efforts at the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) conference, which took place in Fort Worth from June 4-6.

Five of the awards were first-place honors, including two earned by the Round Rock Police Department’s Public Information Office.

“Our goal is to make local government understandable and accessible, even when the issues are complex,” said Sara Bustilloz, Round Rock’s Director of Communications and Marketing. “Our team of communicators constantly strive to find new ways we can connect residents with the decisions, services and stories that shape what it means to live in Round Rock.”

The following entries took home hardware from the conference:

TAMI Awards (First Place)

Best Regular or Recurring Video Program (Population over 75,000):
The City Communications team’s “Hey, Downtown!” recurring video series showcases Downtown businesses through a welcoming, casual format. It serves to promote local establishments and drive traffic to the City’s Downtown website, downtownroundrocktexas.com.

Best Use of Vertical Video (Population over 100,000):
The Round Rock Police Department uses vertical video on Instagram and Facebook to engage residents, share safety tips and provide behind-the-scenes looks at officers’ work. The strategy has significantly boosted online followers and strengthened community relationships.

Best Use of Photography (Population over 100,000):
The City’s 9/11 Stair Climb and Flag Memorial photo series commemorated the 23rd anniversary of 9/11 through powerful visuals of Round Rock’s stair climb at the Public Safety Training Center and memorial flag display at Old Settlers Park. It inspired reflection and unity, receiving heartfelt community feedback and widespread reach on social media.

Crisis Communications:
The Round Rock Police Department used communication best practices to provide updates to the community, as well as local and national media, following the shooting at the City’s Juneteenth celebration in June 2024. Through social media updates, press conferences and ongoing transparency, the department provided important updates during one of the most complex criminal investigations in its history.

Best Educational PSA Video (Population between 75,000–150,000):
Round Rock’s “Ahead of the Game” budget video used a creative sports theme to explain Round Rock’s FY25 budget and tax rate in a fun, accessible way. It aimed to increase understanding of financial stewardship and achieved significant engagement across social media and internal audiences.

Awards of Excellence (Second Place)

Best Planned Social Media Campaign (Population over 100,000):
Round Rock took a fresh approach to fireworks safety messaging on social media by using humor and pop culture, including Elmo and “Love Actually” references.

Best Marketing PSA Video (Population over 100,000):
Round Rock opened the 2024 State of the City event with an energetic video to highlight the City’s progress, strategic direction and sense of community. It also served as a digital outreach tool, attracting thousands of views online.

Best Unplanned Social Media Campaign (Population over 100,000):
Round Rock’s winter weather social media campaign delivered timely winter weather updates using creative content, humor, and real-time visuals. It kept residents informed and engaged while addressing emergency communications fatigue with an innovative approach.

Awards of Honor (Third Place)

Best Special Publication (Population over 75,000):
The City created a brochure to accompany the Mayor’s State of the City address to provide a visually engaging, easy-to-read summary of Round Rock’s strategic goals, key accomplishments and future priorities. The brochure has since been printed for handout at other community events.