Public Agencies That Use Video to Drive Impact (and Actually Reach Residents)

Tired of your messages getting lost in the noise? Jealous of those viral campaigns from other cities? The secret's out: cinematic video is the key to cutting through the clutter and making a real impact. In this digital age, it's not just about what you say, it's how you say it.

And these agencies are proving that with the right video strategy, you can achieve the impossible.

Agencies Leveraging Video Production for Success

1. City of Los Angeles, California

• Website: lacity.org
• Number of Employees: 50,000+
• Population: 3.8 million
• Description of Video Campaign: The City of Los Angeles launched a comprehensive COVID-19 Public Safety Campaign featuring videos aimed at increasing public awareness about safety protocols, vaccination information, and community resources during the pandemic.
• Est. Budget: $2 million for the entire campaign.
• Impact: The videos garnered millions of views across various platforms, leading to increased compliance with health guidelines and widespread community support.

2. State of Michigan

• Website: michigan.gov
• Number of Employees: 48,000+
• Population: 10 million
• Description of Video Campaign: The “Pure Michigan” series is a long-running tourism campaign showcasing the state's natural beauty and attractions. The videos are designed to boost tourism by appealing to both in-state and out-of-state visitors.
• Est. Budget: $30 million annually for the campaign.
• Impact: The campaign has been credited with generating over $1 billion in tourism revenue annually and significantly increasing Michigan’s visibility as a travel destination.

3. City of Seattle, Washington

• Website: seattle.gov
• Number of Employees: 14,000+
• Population: 737,015
• Description of Video Campaign: The “Civic Cocktail” series on the Seattle Channel is a monthly television program that brings together residents, government officials, and experts to discuss pressing issues facing the city, such as transportation, housing, and public safety.
• Est. Budget: Not publicly disclosed.
• Impact: The series has seen strong viewership and engagement, making it a staple of civic engagement in Seattle and increasing public involvement in local government.

4. Miami-Dade County, Florida

• Website: miamidade.gov
• Number of Employees: 29,000+
• Population: 2.7 million
• Description of Video Campaign: Miami-Dade County produced a series of hurricane preparedness videos aimed at educating residents about safety measures, evacuation routes, and emergency resources.
• Est. Budget: Approximately $500,000.
• Impact: The campaign was widely praised for its effectiveness, with videos achieving high engagement rates and significantly improving community preparedness ahead of hurricane seasons.

5. State of Oregon

• Website: oregon.gov
• Number of Employees: 40,000+
• Population: 4.2 million
• Description of Video Campaign: The State of Oregon launched an opioid crisis awareness campaign featuring powerful stories from affected individuals and families. The videos were designed to educate the public about the dangers of opioid abuse and the resources available for treatment.
• Est. Budget: $1 million.
• Impact: The campaign resulted in increased public awareness and engagement, with a noticeable uptick in the use of state-sponsored treatment programs.

6. City of Austin, Texas

• Website: austintexas.gov
• Number of Employees: 14,000+
• Population: 964,254
• Description of Video Campaign: Austin's "Shop Local" initiative produced a series of videos promoting local businesses during the holiday season, aiming to boost the local economy and foster community support.
• Est. Budget: Not publicly disclosed.
• Impact: The campaign led to a noticeable increase in local business revenue and received positive feedback from the community, strengthening local economic resilience.

7. City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Website: phila.gov
• Number of Employees: 30,000+
• Population: 1.6 million
• Description of Video Campaign: Philadelphia produced a series of videos showcasing its diverse neighborhoods and cultural attractions as part of a broader effort to boost tourism and civic pride.
• Est. Budget: Not publicly disclosed.
• Impact: The campaign successfully attracted tourists and increased attendance at local events, contributing to the city’s economic recovery post-pandemic.

8. State of New York

• Website: ny.gov
• Number of Employees: 180,000+
• Population: 19.8 million
• Description of Video Campaign: The "New York Forward" initiative included videos aimed at safely reopening the economy post-pandemic. The videos emphasized safety protocols, the importance of vaccinations, and support for local businesses.
• Est. Budget: $5 million.
• Impact: The campaign played a critical role in building public confidence, which was reflected in the smooth reopening process and economic recovery.

9. City of Denver, Colorado

• Website: denvergov.org
• Number of Employees: 13,000+
• Population: 715,522
• Description of Video Campaign: Denver launched the “Denver Moves Everyone” initiative, producing videos to promote public transportation, biking, and walking as part of the city's sustainable transportation strategy.
• Est. Budget: $1.5 million.
• Impact: The campaign was successful in increasing public transit usage and raising awareness about the benefits of sustainable transportation, contributing to the city’s environmental goals.

10. City of Chicago, Illinois

• Website: chicago.gov
• Number of Employees: 35,000+
• Population: 2.7 million
• Description of Video Campaign: Chicago's “Chicago Stories” video series documents the lives of everyday Chicagoans, showcasing the city’s cultural diversity and historical significance. The campaign was part of an effort to boost tourism and community engagement.
• Est. Budget: Not publicly disclosed.
• Impact: The series was widely viewed and shared, leading to increased tourism and a stronger sense of local pride.

11. King County, Washington

• Website: kingcounty.gov
• Number of Employees: 15,000+
• Population: 2.3 million
• Description of Video Campaign: King County created a video series promoting public transportation options, aimed at reducing traffic congestion and encouraging residents to lower their carbon footprint.
• Est. Budget: Not publicly disclosed.
• Impact: The videos were highly successful in increasing public transit ridership and raising environmental awareness among residents.

12. City of Boston, Massachusetts

• Website: boston.gov
• Number of Employees: 18,000+
• Population: 675,647
• Description of Video Campaign: Boston produced a series of videos to encourage civic engagement and participation in local government initiatives, particularly focusing on young residents.
• Est. Budget: Not publicly disclosed.
• Impact: The campaign saw high levels of engagement, driving increased participation in city programs and fostering a greater sense of civic pride.

13. State of California

• Website: ca.gov
• Number of Employees: 238,000+
• Population: 39.5 million
• Description of Video Campaign: The State of California invested in a series of wildfire preparedness and response videos aimed at educating residents about evacuation procedures, fire prevention, and emergency resources.
• Est. Budget: $10 million.
• Impact: The campaign was credited with saving lives and reducing property damage during wildfire seasons, as public awareness and preparedness improved significantly.

14. City of San Francisco, California

• Website: sfgov.org
• Number of Employees: 30,000+
• Population: 815,201
• Description of Video Campaign: San Francisco launched a video campaign focusing on affordable housing and homelessness, aiming to raise awareness and support for city initiatives to address these critical issues.
• Est. Budget: $2 million.
• Impact: The campaign led to increased public support for housing initiatives and helped secure additional funding for homelessness programs.

15. City of Portland, Oregon

• Website: portlandoregon.gov
• Number of Employees: 6,500+
• Population: 652,503
• Description of Video Campaign: Portland’s “Vision Zero” campaign produced videos aimed at reducing traffic fatalities and promoting safe driving, biking, and walking practices.
• Est. Budget: $1 million.
• Impact: The campaign successfully raised awareness about traffic safety and contributed to a decline in traffic-related deaths in the city.

Ready to Make Your Message Unforgettable?

These inspiring examples aren't just feel-good stories - they're proof that video can transform the way your agency connects, educates, and inspires.  Don't let another opportunity pass you by.  Join the ranks of these successful agencies and harness the power of video to achieve your mission.

Our team of experts will partner with you to understand your unique goals and challenges, then develop a video strategy that cuts through the noise and delivers your message with impact.

Don't wait. The time for your next public health video or farmers market showcase video is now. Let's make your agency the next success story.

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