PRSA Awards Mesa with Communications Team of the Year Copper Anvil

October 29, 2025 at 11:24 am

The City of Mesa's Public Information and Communications Department was named Communications Team of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Phoenix Chapter at the annual Copper Anvil Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in public relations and strategic communications across the state. Mesa was recognized with six additional honors for excellence in 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 15-member communications team represents a model of efficiency and innovation. Despite operating on a modest annual budget, the department manages citywide public relations, media outreach, crisis communications and bilingual engagement for Arizona's third-largest city. The team's work embodies Mesa's values of knowledge, integrity and respect, creating a unified and trusted brand identity for more than 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."

Mesa's award-winning 2024 efforts include:

•Copper Anvil Award: Communications Team of the Year
•Copper Anvil Award, Integrated Communications Category: Mesa 2024 Election: Public Education on Four Critical Ballot Measures
•Award of Merit, Video Category: Mesa State of the City 2024
•Award of Merit, Event Category: Mesa Grande Cultural Park Renaming
•Award of Merit, Public Affairs Category: Mesa 2024 Election: Public Education on Four Critical Ballot Measures

The City of Mesa Transportation Department also received a Copper Anvil Award and an Award of Merit for their Comprehensive Safety Action Plan.

For Mesa, the honors underscore the City's continued leadership in authentic, data-driven storytelling and its role as a statewide model for effective, transparent municipal communication.