City Branding Can't Be Lipstick on a Pig

PlaceMaker Scott Doyon says that for cities -- maybe more than any other organization -- branding is about who you really are, and what what you really do, not a meaningless slogan or logo.

1 minute read

November 7, 2010, 11:00 AM PST

By Hazel Borys

"And that's the rub with city branding," Says Doyon. "Because meaningful action is all about genuine leadership and good governance which, all too often, are in woefully short supply."

"Heed this warning: If your city branding efforts don't begin with top down commitment to both your foundational principles and your aspirational goals, you are wasting your time. It doesn't matter how many chamber of commerce meetings you attend, how many resident focus groups you hold, or how many Addy award winning agencies you interview."

"If your community has not done the hard work of building consensus, defining goals and demonstrating commitment through meaningful actions, it just doesn't matter."

Thanks to Hazel Borys

FULL STORY: Branded! Municipal Identity and the Selling of Cities

Friday, November 5, 2010 in PlaceShakers

Community / Economic Development Government / Politics Urban Development World Community Engagement Cities Marketing Branding Civic Engagement View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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