City of Lake Forest Brand Recognized with Statewide Communications Award
Research-driven branding initiative earns CAPIO EPIC Award of Distinction
CARLSBAD, Calif. — The City of Lake Forest's "Naturally Exceptional" brand has been recognized with a 2026 EPIC Award of Distinction from the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO), honoring excellence in public-sector communications throughout California.
Developed in partnership with JPW Communications, the award-winning brand reflects a comprehensive, research-driven process designed to capture Lake Forest's unique identity while creating a flexible platform for future communications, economic development and community engagement.
"Strong community brands aren't created in a conference room. They're discovered through research, collaboration and a deep understanding of what makes a place unique," said Jenny Windle, founder and president of JPW Communications. "We're honored that Lake Forest's commitment to an inclusive, strategic branding process has been recognized by CAPIO."
The project began with an extensive discovery process that engaged residents, businesses, City leadership and community stakeholders through:
Three community focus groups
Seven stakeholder interviews
Three community surveys generating more than 530 responses
Two pop-up community engagement events
A comprehensive landscape analysis and communications audit
These insights informed the development of Naturally Exceptional, a brand platform that celebrates Lake Forest's natural beauty, exceptional quality of life and forward-looking vision while providing staff with a cohesive identity system for future communications.
More importantly, the process built organizational alignment and transformed initial skepticism into broad support among City leadership and stakeholders, demonstrating the value of strategic, research-based branding.
"This recognition reflects what happens when branding begins with listening," Windle said. "A successful brand is a visual identity and a strategic tool that helps organizations communicate consistently, strengthen community pride and support long-term goals."
JPW Communications is a California-based strategic communications agency specializing in branding, strategic communications, public engagement, marketing and creative services for public agencies throughout the state. The firm partners with cities, counties, special districts and regional organizations to help build trust, communicate value and strengthen communities.
Learn more about the Lake Forest branding project
About JPW Communications
JPW Communications is a full-service strategic communications agency serving public agencies throughout California. Through research, strategy, community engagement and exceptional creative, JPW helps organizations communicate with clarity, build trust and achieve meaningful results.