Manager Proposes New Logo for City in Rebranding Effort

Of the 100 square miles known as the "Manassas region" of Northern Virginia, only 10 square miles actually fall within City of Manassas limits.

Manassas City Manager John Budesky believes the city needs rebranding. He's calling for the implementation of a single logo image to represent the city and its communication efforts.

According to city documents, "clarity and consistency is brand messaging is lacking in the city," which has used several variations of its current logo over the years.

Budesky is proposing the adoption of a "refreshed take on the past logo" in an effort to come up with a single logo for the City of Manassas.  The new logo would appear on messages sent out by the many city departments and on welcome signs, among other things.

The new logo will also help with the effort to differentiate Manassas from its neighbors by using the "City of Manassas" as opposed to just "Manassas" on the logo, according to Budesky.

Budesky is also recommending the adoption of a style guide for all components of the new logo, including font type, font colors, dimensions and user guidelines in an effort to keep it consistent.

Budesky said a better emphasis on branding would not only help the city make a good first impression, but would also help "build trust, create a positive image, and establish credibility and unity."

The idea is to establish a platform to guide communication and provide a clear singular message, Budesky said.

The city has also recently hired a new communications coordinator to help with the effort.  Patty Prince, who formerly worked in the Prince William County communications office, will start Aug. 6.

after Budesky cited during budget talks that the city needed to do a better job telling the community about its efforts and getting out the positive message.

"I am not sure if you are going to see any different approach in the community and change in the city's perception if we continue to do the same thing," Budesky added.

A proposed logo image, designed by ImagineDesign, of Manassas, in either color or greyscale (see attached photos) is being considered by council. Which one do you like? Or do you think the city should stick with the current logo it has used for years depicting the old city hall?

The city is also considering a new tagline for the new logo. Tagline options include:  

• Still Making History

• A Community for a Lifetime

But the city would like to hear from you. Any citizen may make a suggestion for a tagline for the new logo in the comment section below.

Editor's note: The image of the current city logo is attached to this article. Its tagline reads: "Rich in Historic Interest."