The Civic Brand and how Petaluma engages
October 22, 2025
Watch the recording above to explore how Petaluma can build belonging and shared purpose through genuine public engagement.
Know Before You Grow speaks with author Ryan Short about his new book The Civic Brand: The Power & Responsibility of Place, released on September 30.
Short’s book challenges conventional thinking about city-building, tourism, economic development, and community engagement—introducing a new framework for shaping more resilient, equitable, and lovable places. It’s a call to city leaders, planners, business owners, developers, and residents alike to recognize the power and responsibility we all share in shaping our communities.
For Petaluma, the topic couldn’t be more timely. Our city is full of passionate voices—but can we come together around a shared civic identity? Short focuses on what makes public engagement work, what undermines it, and how authentic connection can outshine slogans and branding campaigns.
Meet the Author!
Ryan Short | Co-Founder, CivicBrand
Ryan Short is the co-founder of CivicBrand, a place-branding consultancy he started with his wife, Banner Short. Since 2008, they have helped lead engagement-driven branding, placemaking, and destination management and marketing projects across the United States, guiding communities toward becoming more vibrant, equitable, and lovable places.
He has been published on Forbes.com and is a regular speaker at national and international conferences on place branding, civic engagement, and economic development. He is also the host of Eyes On The Street, a podcast that explores the intersection of community, culture, and design through conversations with civic leaders and change makers.
Ryan lives in Salida, Colorado, with Banner and their two sons.