2013 National Planning Excellence Awards: Communications Initiative

We Love Lake Oswego Video

Lake Oswego, Oregon

The City of Lake Oswego created the "We Love Lake Oswego" video as part of its public outreach effort to educate and engage the community in the comprehensive planning process. The video objectives were to convey a compelling story about why to plan for the future, provide a clear, concise concept of what the comprehensive plan update is about, and offer inspiration for the community to participate in the planning process.

The video highlighted what residents love about Lake Oswego and reflected on how the past has and will shape the future. It brought together all parts of Lake Oswego, and aimed to engage those typically not involved in the planning process. It has been shown at more than 75 outreach events including city council meetings, planning commission meetings, neighborhood associations and business organizations. More than 2,500 community members have engaged in the planning process, many as a result of the video.

A citizen pointing out her neighborhood at the Connected Community Summit.