“Greener Communities, Brighter Futures” campaign earns three Distinction Communicator Awards

The Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts, based in New York City, recognized the city of Aurora's Office of International and Immigrant Affairs (OIIA) during the 32nd Annual Communicator Awards for its "Greener Communities, Brighter Futures" campaign. OIIA received awards in three categories: Campaign Government and Municipal, Campaign Immersive Experience Series and General Logo-Government.

The campaign is part of the USDA Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act grant project, "Reinvesting in Aurora's Urban Canopy for Social Equity and Climate Resilience," funded through a $1.5 billion investment in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry Program made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act.

Evaluated by an international panel of industry leaders, the Communicator Awards is one of the largest and most competitive award programs recognizing excellence in marketing, communications and digital media. The awards are judged by the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts (AIVA), whose members include leaders from acclaimed brands such as PepsiCo, Accenture, NASA/JPL, FedEx, Netflix, Big Spaceship and the National Geographic Society. The recognition highlights OIIA's innovative and successful community engagement work.

The campaign implements a multilingual, multi-channel communications strategy that includes public service announcements (PSAs) in the most widely spoken languages in the areas where the initiative is being implemented, a green initiative logo, a dedicated website and outreach materials designed to strengthen public awareness and engagement. The PSAs are available in English with subtitles in four additional languages to ensure accessibility for Aurora's diverse communities. The videos feature community members, reflecting the city's cultural diversity and representative storytelling. Campaign videos were produced by Icono Producciones.

"We are honored by this recognition; the north star of our 'Greener Communities, Brighter Futures' campaign was to raise awareness about the 'Reinvesting in Aurora's Urban Canopy for Social Equity and Climate Resilience' initiative, and to connect Aurora residents with city services and programs," said Ricardo Gambetta, manager of the city of Aurora's Office of International and Immigrant Affairs. "This project was generously supported by a five-million-dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service."

Aurora is the only city in Colorado, and one of the few in the nation, with a comprehensive immigrant integration plan, underscoring its ongoing commitment to inclusive engagement and equitable access to services. The initiative is a joint effort between the city's Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department and OIIA, focusing on traditionally underserved neighborhoods with large immigrant and refugee populations. As the most diverse city in Colorado, Aurora is home to many residents living in areas with aging trees and significant open planting space.

Through 2028, the city will expand tree planting, maintain mature trees, promote public health and environmental resilience, and strengthen community engagement through multilingual outreach and tree-planting events. To learn more about the initiative, visit AuroraGov.org/GreenerCommunities.

About the Office of International and Immigrant Affairs

The Office of International and Immigrant Affairs was created to facilitate the successful integration of immigrants and refugees into the city of Aurora's civic, economic and cultural life. The office oversees the development and implementation of a strategic citywide plan for policies, programs and initiatives for local immigrant and refugee populations. Additionally, OIIA leads international efforts to establish strategic global partnerships, manage official protocol activities and events, and serves as a liaison to the international community. For more information, visit AuroraGov.org/OIIA.