Why are we updating our logo?
Previously, the City logo included the City of Tulsa Seal. While the Seal is and will remain an important part of our organization's branding, its complexity and protections created limitations that made it challenging to be used as part of our primary logo. Our new logo is designed to be more versatile and will have the capability to better adapt to the needs of our organization and its employees, while boldly and proudly representing the community we serve and represent. That doesn't mean the City Seal is going away, though. It will still be used to certify specific official documents and paperwork, but the new logo will be the primary identifier for our new public facing brand.
What is the difference between the seal, logo, and flag?
The Seal is a symbol of authority for the municipality and is used by select City officials, most notably the Mayor, other elected officials, and the City Clerk. It is specifically used to signify governing authority and is used to authenticate documents, permits, and certificates. The Seal will remain on these types of documents and select others.
The previous City logo included the City Seal and additional text. The logo serves as the City of Tulsa's primary visual identifier and first choice for representing the organization, departments, employees and services on the majority of our collateral, assets and other public situations/settings.
The Tulsa Flag is the flag of Tulsa. Though the City Council voted to adopt the Tulsa flag in 2018, the City does not own the flag's design and it can be used by anyone.
The new City of Tulsa logo will no longer include the City Seal and it will incorporate the recognizable colors found in the Tulsa flag to better connect our organization with the community it serves.
How does this change impact me?
As you've probably guessed, the previous City logo is on a lot of items throughout the City. We want to present ourselves and our work consistently moving forward, so we will need your help to identify items you frequently use or are aware of that will need to be updated with the new logo and branding.
How long will this transition take?
This is a phased implementation and will take a considerable amount of time to complete. If you see items with the previous logo still on them, don’t worry! We’ll work to get everything updated as soon as we can, but vital and high-visibility items will be updated first. While we would love to be able to update everything right away, the reality is that this will be a phased implementation and updates will happen over an extended period of time.
I have a document that has the old logo on it. How do I get the new logo on my document?
To help with the transition, the Communications Department will be meeting with department leaders and managers to identify your most vital and visible documents and/or collateral. Once these things have been identified, we will work with department liaisons to update them with the new logo and branding. Departments will submit update requests through the online form. Remember, this transition will take time to get through, so please be patient as we work through all the requests and items that need to be updated.
New items including stationery templates, business cards, PowerPoints, and other branded collateral have been developed and are in the process of being approved internally and through our vendors. Many of these items will be available or distributed sometime next week and the Communications Department will work with departments to inform them of new items as they become available.
How do I get a new uniform with the new logo?
Some vendor teams have been given the new logo files and may be ready to process orders. Other vendors will receive production files very soon. For now, the items you are ordering and vendor you are working with may impact your ability to immediately place an order. Work with your supervisor to place orders for new uniforms and gear. If you need to order new gear, please refrain from ordering any new items with the old City logo. To avoid inconsistency and to best utilize budgets, all new orders should feature the new City logo. If possible, wait until the vendor has production approval for the new logo before you order anything. In the meantime, it is ok to wear and use existing uniforms that still have the old logo.
Do I need to stop wearing or using my existing uniforms?
Because this is a phased process, City employees can continue to wear existing uniform items until they no longer are able to be used. When you want or require new uniform items, the new logo and branding must be applied.
How will departments pay for the items that need to be changed?
It’s important to remember that not everything needs to be updated immediately. It’s ok to wait to make updates to items or collateral until they are no longer in good condition or quantities have been depleted. However, when it’s time to place new orders for brochures, posters, equipment, uniforms, and other supplies, please make sure you make all new orders with the new logo.
What updates are being done to the City Seal?
The Mayor requested updates to be made to the City Seal to better reflect and include Tulsa’s Native American history. The arrowhead featured in the seal has been redesigned to include 1836, the year the Muscogee Creek Nation founded Tulsa. These changes will need to be reflected in an ordinance amendment which will be sent to the City Council to vote on. No changes will be made to the Seal until the Council has the opportunity to vote on the proposed updates.
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