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Hemet unveils new city brand, rolling out ‘Your horizon is here’ after yearlong research
Summary
City officials and consultants presented a yearlong branding effort to reframe Hemet’s image and support economic development, drawing on more than 1,000 resident survey responses; the council signaled phased rollout and plans to seek grants to implement signage, events and downtown improvements.
Hemet city officials on March 10 unveiled a new city brand, “Your horizon is here,” the result of a yearlong community research and creative process designed to refresh the city’s identity and support economic development.
City manager Mark Pres said the effort began during a strategic planning session nearly two years ago and became a high priority in the FY 2024–25 work plan. Communications and events coordinator Jenny Cortez, who led the staff presentation, said the process prioritized resident input: “This was an opportunity for the city to retell its story, take control of the narrative and … reflect our community’s values,” she said.
Consultant Sam Preston of Northstar (place branding and marketing) summarized the research steps: four months of resident surveys and focus groups, interviews with stakeholders and a set of outsider surveys to gauge Hemet’s regional perception. Preston said more than 1,000 residents responded to the community survey; outside samples included 100 respondents each from Orange, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. Among resident‑identified assets were scenic views and access to nature, Hemet’s central location, regional parks and Diamond Valley Lake; top concerns included safety, homelessness and reputation.
From that research the team developed a “brand DNA,” a logo package and a tagline the consultant described as “an open invitation” to position Hemet as an accessible natural haven. Preston showed logo lockups, color palettes drawn from local sunrises and sunsets, and executions for downtown banners, wayfinding, event backdrops, vehicle graphics and staff signage. The proposal also included a brand standards guide and a 20‑page list of implementation ideas ranging from monument signage to mural concepts and trade‑show materials.
Council members on the ad‑hoc committee praised the outreach and said they expected the rollout to be phased and funded gradually. One council member asked staff to pursue grant opportunities to support physical signage and programs. The presentation closed with questions about timing and next steps; no formal council action was required or taken on the branding item at the March 10 meeting.
What's next: Staff said the city will pursue grant funding and bring implementation proposals to council over time, starting with modest, visible items such as wayfinding and event backdrops and scaling up to larger investments as funding allows.
