Jerrod Kingery

What we talked about

Criticism is part of the conversation

Jerrod Kingery does not think a city’s social media should exist only to show its best side. In this Making Names conversation, the City of Taylor communications manager explains why he wants residents to have a place to ask questions, raise concerns and, sometimes, express frustration. His perspective comes from years in television production and digital journalism before moving into government communications. The central idea is simple: public feedback can reveal something a city needs to know. An uncomfortable comment is not automatically a reason to shut down the conversation.

From the newsroom to city hall

Kingery traces his interest in media to a high school film project, followed by radio, television and film studies at San Antonio College. Production work led to digital content and eventually newsroom management at CBS Austin. Those experiences put him on the other side of the questions that government communicators receive. He learned what reporters need, how public agencies respond and why residents’ concerns belong in the story. He sees that background as useful preparation for a role that requires understanding both the institution and the people affected by its decisions.

The message has to reach someone

For Kingery, social media presents two challenges at once: responding to inaccurate information and reaching people who may never visit a city’s own channels. A website, newsletter or podcast cannot help someone who does not know it exists. That is one reason he values working with local news outlets. Media coverage can put useful information in front of a different audience. He also points to in-person engagement, including community events, as another way to connect. The goal is not simply more engagement on a dashboard; it is getting information to the people who need it.

Answer without turning it into a fight

Kingery argues for leaving room for criticism, describing comments as a potential source of practical feedback about problems residents are experiencing. He also draws a line between providing an answer and getting pulled into an argument. His preference is a calm, factual response rather than an emotional rebuttal. That approach depends on preparation: knowing where to find policies, ordinances and previous decisions makes it easier to respond usefully. His comments describe a communications philosophy, not legal guidance or a substitute for a municipality’s applicable moderation and records requirements.

There is room to be playful

The conversation is not all crisis response and difficult comments. Kingery also sees a place for celebrating local events, sharing new openings and inviting residents into lighter moments. He describes a robot-mower naming activity as an example from the time of the interview, not a current invitation to vote. Playfulness, in his view, need not undermine credibility. A city can be serious about public service while still making room for the everyday experiences that help people enjoy their community. The skill is recognizing which kind of response the moment calls for.