New City Logo and Branding Coming Soon

October 1, 2024 - The City of Corvallis is rolling out a new municipal logo next month. The new logo will be part of a comprehensive brand system that will replace our existing logo that was first introduced in 1985. Look for the new brand to start appearing on documents, forms, signs, and other high-visibility areas of city operations. (The old logo will remain in use for a while during this transition process.)

You might be wondering ... why a new logo? Well, in the almost 40 years since the existing logo made its debut, the communications needs of local governments like Corvallis have changed quite a bit. A logo that used to primarily be featured atop printed documents, letter, and bills has given way to a municipal identity that is used on websites, digital apps, and social media. Community members are just as likely to encounter the brand on their mobile device screen as on a printed piece of paper.

With all of this in mind, we engaged Madison Avenue Collective (MAC), a local design firm with extensive experience creating new brand identities for corporations and government agencies (including some familiar names here in Corvallis). MAC embarked on a six-month creative process to gather input, develop iterative conceptual designs, and finally zero in on a solid concept that could be built out into a fully realized, modern brand system. The goal of the project was to create a modern, consistent brand system that included a recognizable primary logo, together with plenty of creative icons, graphics, and colors to help enhance City communications and outreach. 

In many cases, we will have the opportunity to roll out the new City logo on certain items as part of their normal replacement schedule. This is the most cost effective solution and ensures that we aren’t disposing of useful items ahead of schedule. Other changes and updates will likely take place on a longer timeline.

The new design and visually rich supporting elements lend themselves well to branding and placemaking. The City logo will look right at home alongside logos from partner agencies, educational institutions, events venues, and other community organizations.

For a period of probably 12 to 18 months, community members will likely encounter both the new City logo as well as the older “legacy” logo in use throughout the community as the replacement process gets underway. This is a normal, if slightly confusing, aspect of our brand rollout.

We're excited to bring a new, creative look to the City of Corvallis!