PDDG Design Notes – June 2026

ISSUE 077

June 2026

Big Ideas on Small Screens

In June 2007, the first iPhone went on sale, and the world collectively decided that every website, email, brochure, photo, logo, map, form, and button should now look good on a screen small enough to lose between couch cushions.

Nearly 20 years later, we’re still designing for all the places people find, click, scroll, read, save, share, and occasionally pinch-zoom when no one is looking.

This month’s Design Notes highlights work that continues to span communities, industries, regions, and audiences across the U.S. and beyond, proving once again that thoughtful design and strategic communication can travel just about anywhere.

So grab your phone, ignore the 12 tabs you still have open, and enjoy our June edition.

Photo courtesy of Fity.Club.

Superior Releases New Value Proposition Brochure

Working closely with our longtime partners, IO.INC and Metamorphic Marketing, we are pleased to share our latest work for the Town of Superior.

Superior, AZ, located 40 minutes east of the Phoenix Metro Area, is a dynamic community whose legacy spans 140 years and today is a hub of opportunity, innovation, and success. With its idea- and business-friendly environment and access to a highly skilled regional workforce, Superior also offers an unparalleled setting for business growth and innovation.

Our current work includes supporting the marketing communications efforts of Succeed in Superior, AZ, the Town’s new economic development initiative created to bring increased awareness to the community and the region’s unique locational assets. Over the past few years, we crafted the Succeed in Superior, AZ brand identity, first-ever expansive website, and a suite of collateral and branded deliverables.

Recently, we developed a robust value proposition brochure with updated data and key metrics to showcase why Superior is seen as a canvas for innovation and success, including what attracted global companies to establish operations in Superior, and why many successful entrepreneurs recognize the importance of a market that is not only open to new ideas but welcomes new business.

We look forward to continuing to support the Town’s economic development initiatives.

PDDG Celebrates 6 Years with EASTBAYWorks

This year marks six years of partnership with EASTBAYWorks. From our very first project in 2020, developing a new website presence, to our ongoing website development and support work, we have had the pleasure of working closely with the EASTBAYWorks team these past several years.

EASTBAYWorks is a collective of four independent workforce development boards providing a network of job centers, economic developers, support service providers, and educational entities to offer benefits and services to employers, job seekers, and youth.

Over the past six years, we have refreshed the EASTBAYWorks website twice, expanded and enhanced online services, and greatly improved the overall user experience. Additionally, we have supported EASTBAYWorks' ongoing website development and maintenance needs and continue to provide regular support services.

America 250 Celebration Quickly Approaching

On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence—a historic milestone that invites us to reflect on our shared past, honor the contributions of generations of Americans, and look ahead to the future we aspire to build for the next generation and those that follow.

As part of the America250 celebration, the organization is working toward its "350 for 250" goal—engaging all 350 million Americans in commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary. There are many ways to get involved, from making a charitable contribution through the Giving 4th initiative to volunteering through America Gives, with the goal of making 2026 a record-breaking year for service. Additional initiatives also offer opportunities for Americans across the country to participate in this once-in-a-generation milestone.

With July 4 fast approaching, now is the perfect time to make plans to celebrate. Explore America's Block Party to discover events happening in your community, including the signature concert at the LA Memorial Coliseum, or organize a celebration of your own by hosting a neighborhood block party. Be sure to download the mobile app to stay connected and make the most of the Semiquincentennial festivities.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission.

Mesa Named a “Best-Run” City for 2026

The City of Mesa, Arizona, has earned the #10 spot on WalletHub’s list of “Best-Run Cities” for 2026. WalletHub, an award-winning personal finance company, examined 148 of the largest U.S. cities by comparing the quality of public services delivered to residents against each individual city’s overall budget.

Congratulations to our friends in Mesa! We are proud to support Mesa’s economic development marketing efforts and recently assisted the Mesa Office of Economic Development in launching a fully refreshed and greatly expanded website.

Photo courtesy of WalletHub.

PDDG UK Office Celebrates 5th Anniversary

July 1 marks the fifth anniversary of the opening of PDDG’s first international office location.

Originally based in Leeds, England, and relocated to London in 2025, the PDDG UK Office serves our existing and prospective clients in the United Kingdom, the European Union, the Middle East, and Asia.

Photo courtesy of the PDDG UK Office.

Danielle Casey Named 2026 Top 50 Leader

Congratulations to Danielle Casey for being recognized as one of the Las Vegas Women Leaders Association's Top 50 Women Leaders of 2026. This designation highlights remarkable women in leadership across Las Vegas who have made an impact on the economy, civic life, and opportunity landscape.

Danielle is the President and CEO of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA), a unified and committed collective of investors, partners, and community leaders who work every day to strengthen Southern Nevada's economy and create opportunities for the region.

Danielle is also a longtime friend and client partner of PDDG. We have collaborated on a wide range of marketing, branding, communications, and outreach campaigns supporting economic development initiatives in communities in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Nevada.

Congrats again to Danielle and all the exceptional women recognized this year.

Photo courtesy of Danielle Casey.

Federal Leaders Tour Workforce Programs

In June, the Monterey Bay region welcomed Joshua Wetzel, West Coast Regional Representative for the U.S. Department of Labor, for a firsthand look at the innovative workforce development efforts taking place across Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Organized by Monterey Bay DART, the daylong tour showcased the collaborative partnerships helping prepare residents for careers in advanced air mobility, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and agricultural technology.

As key workforce partners in the region, our clients Monterey County Works and Workforce Santa Cruz County continue to support initiatives that connect job seekers with training, education, and career opportunities aligned with the needs of emerging industries.

Photo courtesy of Monterey Bay DART.