Your City’s Story Already Exists. The Question Is—Are You Telling It?

Oh, hi!

If your city is planning for growth—welcoming new families, attracting businesses, investing in the future—then how people see you matters just as much as what you do.

Here’s the thing: people are already forming opinions. Based on your website. Your signage. What’s shared online. The question isn’t whether there’s a story. It’s whether you’re owning it.

Great cities don’t just react. They shape how people experience them.

Not with slogans. But with consistency. Humanity. And a message rooted in what really matters to people: belonging, safety, access, and opportunity.

So are you shaping that story intentionally, or letting someone else write it for you?

What We Know:

• People follow feelings 

  Families want to feel safe and know they’ll belong. Business owners want to feel supported. And those impressions are shaped by your messaging.

• You’re not the only one telling your city’s story

  From school districts and small businesses to realtors and local colleges—plenty of others are already “selling” your city. The question is: are you helping each other? What would it look like to back them up with messaging, tools, or shared stories? When everyone’s telling the same story, it hits harder. And it sticks.

• Your digital front door sets the tone

  From your homepage to your social accounts, what do new folks see? Confusion? Clarity? A reason to stay?

Here’s What You Can Do:

✅ Inventory the storytellers. Who’s already talking about your city? Economic development, schools, the chamber? Are you all pointing in the same direction? Does your messaging align?

✅ Lead with belonging. Highlight stories of real people choosing your city and why.

✅ Ask new eyes. What do recent residents notice first? What confused them? Use that to improve your first impressions.

✅ Use real voices. Showcase the teacher who moved for the schools or the entrepreneur who felt supported. Stories win hearts. Slogans don’t.

And Try This:

🔎 Google “[Your City] + move here” or “[Your City] + start a business”

👀 Are the results helpful? Inspiring? Or just… nothing?

💬 Ask your team: What three things do newcomers really want to know, and how are we answering them?

🤝 Host a quick brainstorm: What everyday moments shape public perception—permits, parking, welcome emails? What could be better?

Let’s hear it. Who’s already doing this well in your city, whether they mean to or not?

Hit reply and let me know.

—Dana

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