HomeMy WebLinkAbout100-26POLICY & PROCEDURE
Subject: City Logo Usage Index: EXECUTIVE SERVICES
Number: 100-26
Effective Date:
5/18/2026
Supersedes:
N/A
Pages:
4
Staff Contact:
Kristi Rowland, Deputy CAO
Approved By:
1.0 PURPOSE:
The purpose of this policy is to establish consistent guidelines for use of
the City of Renton logo. Compliance with this policy will ensure all city
efforts are identified and attributed in an easily recognizable manner.
These practices reinforce the city’s professionalism and commitment
to accountability and transparency. Ensuring consistency over time will
reinforce the unified efforts of the city and foster public trust.
2.0 ORGANIZATIONS AFFECTED:
All City of Renton departments.
3.0 REFERENCES:
Policy & Procedure 100-03: Social Media Policy
Policy & Procedure 100-05: Public Records Act
Policy & Procedure 340-01: Americans with Disabilities Act
RCW 10.116.050 Peace officers—Reasonably identifiable
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
SOP - City Branding Guide
4.0 POLICY:
4.1 The approved city logo is managed by the Communications & Engagement Division.
1.Typical use of the city logo will be found on print, digital, and physical
materials such as web pages, social media profiles, wayfinding signage, and
Policy 100-06 City Logo Usage
p. 2
other assets belonging to the city and outwardly facing for attribution to the
city’s investment.
4.2 City logo identification is appropriate when (this list is not exhaustive):
1. The city is responsible for work products or effort received by the public.
2. The city is a decision-maker in an effort for which city attribution will provide
appropriate transparency of city actions when working with other agencies
or community partners.
3. A legal agreement exists between the city and an outside party, either
financially or with in-kind resources, such as grant recipients or contractors.
4.3 Department Logos include the city logo and ‘City of Renton’ in addition to the
department name.
1. Exceptions include the:
a) Police Department who complies with state law regarding the clear
identification of officers.
b) Municipal Court whose seal indicates their independent branch of
government within the city.
2. Department logos are typically used for items such as letterhead, event
graphics, uniforms and other logo wear designed to communicate
departmental responsibility.
4.4 Division Logos include the city logo and ‘City of Renton’ and (optionally) the
department name.
1. Division Logos are typically used to communicate the unique aspects of a
division within a department, such as uniforms and equipment identifiers,
as an example.
4.5 Initiatives, Plans, Studies, or Reports will include the city logo and, as appropriate or
desired, department and division logos on work products, materials, and
communications to properly identify the city’s responsibility.
1. Unique identifiers may be requested for communicating cohesively across
an initiative that has a specific purpose with a beginning and endpoint
clearly defined. These requests will be made to the Communications &
Engagement Division.
4.6 Programs
Policy 100-06 City Logo Usage
p. 3
1. City-run programs who have unique marketing materials for events or series
will comply with the use of the city logo.
a) Unique artwork designed for the purposes of marketing will include
the city’s logo, unaltered, alongside or within the design to ensure
the city’s investment in the program is known.
2. Partner-driven programs that the city engages in will operate in accordance
with the agreements of the partnership.
a) Unique branding identified in a partnership agreement, distinct from
the city’s brand, will follow prevailing regulations that govern public
communications.
4.7 Third-party vendors
1. Departments that engage third-party vendors to produce a body of work that
results in communications, documents, and other work products on the
city’s behalf will comply with this policy and are encouraged to involve the
communications team in developing their RFPs around communication and
engagement elements.
2. Vendors contracted to produce communications material will not use city
staff to design or produce materials that they are contractually committed
to providing within their fee.
3. Departments may request that Communications & Engagement staff
collaborate with a third-party vendor; however, any work performed will be
agreed upon to ensure staff time and cost recovery for materials is budgeted
prior to the request and to ensure the city is not producing the work that the
city ultimately pays the vendor to provide.
4.8 Internal-Use-Only Logos
1. City departments may create unique artwork that will encourage staff
engagement for internally facing initiatives, teams, or employee activities.
a) Communications & Engagement Division does not offer design
services for these efforts; instead, self-service tools are available to
staff at their convenience that includes preset design templates and
branding.
5.0 DEFINITIONS:
5.1 Branding Guidelines: The prevailing set of standards and specifications for logo usage,
typography, color palette, and other visual identity elements, updated with cross-
departmental input to comply with prevailing accessibility laws and contemporary
practices in communication.
Policy 100-06 City Logo Usage
p.4
5.2 City Identification: The appropriate use of the City of Renton name or logo to indicate
city responsibility, leadership, or involvement in an effort, event, or communication.
5.3 City Logo: The official, approved visual mark representing the City of Renton, managed
by the Communications & Engagement Division. It includes all authorized variations
(color, size, orientation).
5.4 Communications & Engagement Division: The city division responsible for managing
branding, logo usage, and ensuring compliance with visual identity standards.
5.5 Department Logo: A logo that incorporates the City of Renton logo and the department
name, used to identify official departmental materials and communications.
5.6 Division Logo: A logo that includes the City of Renton logo, department name, and
division name, used to represent subdivisions within a department.
5.7 Initiative/Plan/Study Logo: A logo or identifier used for city-led initiatives, plans,
studies, or reports, which must include the City of Renton logo and comply with
branding standards.
5.8 Internal Branding: Visual identifiers used exclusively for internal purposes within city
departments or divisions, not authorized for external representation of the city.
5.9 Internal-Use-Only Logo: A logo or identifier created by a workgroup, division, or
department for internal-use only and intended to build team pride and engagement.
This unique artwork is not allowed to serve in lieu of the approved city, department,
division, or program logos.
5.10 Legal Agreement: A formal, binding document between the city and an external
party that outlines roles, responsibilities, and permissions, including branding
requirements.
5.11 Logo Variations: Approved alternative versions of the city logo, including
horizontal, vertical, color, and monochrome formats.
5.12 Logo Wear: Apparel or accessories (e.g., uniforms, badges) that display the City of
Renton logo or department/division logos for identification and branding purposes.
5.13 Program Logo: A logo associated with a specific program within a department or
division, which follows branding guidelines and may include approved embellishments.
5.14 Wayfinding Signage: Physical signs used to guide or inform the public within
city facilities or spaces, which must include the City of Renton logo for clear
identification.