The City of Mesa’s Public Information and Communications Department has been named Communications Team of the Year by the Phoenix Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) at the annual Copper Anvil Awards. The awards highlight achievements in public relations and strategic communications across Arizona, with Mesa receiving six additional honors for government communications.
“These awards reflect Mesa’s commitment to open government and transparent communication,” said City Manager Scott Butler. “Our Public Information and Communications team is at the forefront of government transparency. They serve as the conduit between City Hall and our residents and the news media to ensure that everyone has access to clear, accurate information about all Mesa has to offer.”
Mesa’s communications team consists of 15 members who handle citywide public relations, media outreach, crisis communications, and bilingual engagement for Arizona’s third-largest city. Despite a modest budget, the department manages to maintain a unified brand identity for over half a million residents.
“Every member of our team brings creativity, strategy and passion to telling Mesa’s story,” said Ana Pereira, Communications Director. “This recognition is a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence. Whether we’re providing critical updates during an emergency, promoting civic engagement or highlighting Mesa’s incredible people and programs, the team’s dedication shows in every campaign, video, social media post and press release we produce.”
Among its 2024 recognitions were Copper Anvil Awards for Communications Team of the Year and Integrated Communications for public education on four ballot measures related to the 2024 election. The team also received Awards of Merit in categories such as Video for “Mesa State of the City 2024,” Event for “Mesa Grande Cultural Park Renaming,” and Public Affairs for election-related public education efforts.
Additionally, Mesa’s Transportation Department earned both a Copper Anvil Award and an Award of Merit for its Comprehensive Safety Action Plan.
These honors reinforce Mesa’s position as a leader in transparent municipal communication and data-driven storytelling throughout Arizona.
