Found this information through my Google Alerts and thought it was particularly interesting as the world continues to learn more about the city of Wasilla, Alaska (hometown of VP candidate Sarah Palin). The article in the Dallas Morning News gathered information on how several Texas cities were branding themselves, using public relations, identity branding and advertising. Logos seem to be big as a statement about a city’s reputation. Just as regions and countries have branded themselves, small cities are now getting into the act of solidifying their brand. Attracting the best talent, families and business is a full-time job for economic development folks. Reputation matters no matter what the size.

• Carrollton: Agreed last month to pay Development Counsellors International up to $238,000 for logo development, strategic branding, marketing and public relations.
• Farmers Branch: Developed a logo in 2006 with a tree flanked by outlines of houses and businesses, to emphasize the city’s parks and neighborhoods. Cost: about $177,000 over three years.
• McKinney: Approved spending $242,750 in 2005 for branding and promotional tools, including a logo developed for $62,000 by North Star Destination Strategies. The logo – McKINNEY TEXAS: Unique by nature – is intended to blend the city’s historical identity with its suburban boomtown status.
• Mesquite: Contracted with North Star in 2006 for $64,000 to develop the logo MESQUITE TEXAS: Real. Texas. Flavor. The logo highlights the city’s Western heritage while emphasizing services and amenities.
• Plano: Had North Star develop a gold “P” logo in 2005 for the Plano Convention and Visitors Bureau. Cost: about $42,000. The logo is intended to convey the image of clean, high-tech, polished city to out-of-town visitors, especially business travelers. The design is in addition to the patriotic red, white and blue “P” used across the city.