Newport News Debuts Vibrant New City Brand and Strategic Message

By: City of Newport News

“Built on Breakthroughs” highlights city’s innovativeand diverse story
In 2021, the City of Newport News launched a strategic initiative to uncover the community’s brand identity. The goal was to discover what is distinct and authentic about Newport News and develop messaging that conveys the city’s unique story. After a thorough process involving hundreds of residents, business and community leaders, and other stakeholders, the city is launching a new brand and strategic message – Newport News: Built on Breakthroughs.  “Newport News is a city built on breakthroughs, a place where collective ideas come together without limitations,” said Newport News Mayor McKinley L. Price. “As communities compete to retain and attract residents and businesses and increase opportunities, we must stand out with a defined brand and cohesive story to guide our city into the future. The stronger our message, the more people will want to live, work, visit, and relax here.” The brand identity was publicly debuted by Mayor Price during the State of the City address on November 16. During his remarks, he shared key brand messages and a brand video.  “Newport News is a city of dreamers and doers, innovators and inventors, scholars and singers, and everyone in between,” said Mayor Price. “We are a city on the move, constantly changing and always creating. Our breakthroughs are built to change today and impact tomorrow. We smash atoms and build nuclear aircraft carriers – anything is possible in Newport News!” The new brand will come to life in a variety of ways over the next several months. This initiative is much more than a logo and tagline; it is a community pride-building campaign that will be activated artistically and three dimensionally by the city, businesses, and residents. Initial plans include signage, murals, outreach campaigns, increased messaging, and much more. The city website, nnva.gov, has been updated to reflect the new brand. Additional site enhancements will be made over the coming weeks to increase functionality and communicate the dynamic new message.   Newport News partnered with North Star Place Branding and Marketing on this project. A leader in capturing and crafting the story of places, North Star has helped develop brands for more than 250 communities.