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.
"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
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Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
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