DYNAMIC STORYTELLING STRATEGIC MESSAGING IMPACTFUL CREATIVITY PURPOSEFUL CONNECTIONS PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS
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FIRM PROFILE VMA is a full-service, multilingual, and multicultural communications firm that provides high-quality and creative communications that enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve. Since 1996, our award-winning, in-house team has partnered with public agencies across California to turn complex initiatives into clear, compelling stories that engage the public and elevate organizational visibility for clients such as LA Metro, Pasadena Unified School District, Whittier Union High School District, California High-Speed Rail, Delta Conveyance Authority, and many more.
Certified as DBE, SB (Micro), SBE, SMBE/SWBE, WBE, CBE, and LSBE.
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OUR TOOLS AND TACTICS
PUBLIC RELATIONS y Key Message Development y Social Media & Digital Advertising y Print & Digital Materials y Issue / Crisis Management
COMMUNITY OUTREACH & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS y Meeting Facilitation y Community Events & Open Houses y Surveys & Digital Engagement Tools y Government Relations
CREATIVE SERVICES y Websites & Microsites y Photography & Video Production y Drone Footage & Animation y Translation Services
MEDIA RELATIONS y Media Training y Media Outreach & Management y Press Events y Media Buys
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Modesto
Millbrae SFO San José
CASE STUDY
Merced Madera
Gilroy Fresno
Kings/Tulare
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL STATEWIDE SYSTEM
Proposed Statewide Alignment
Sacramento
Bakersfie
Stockton
San Francisco
Modesto
Millbrae SFO San José
Merced Madera
Gilroy Fresno
Kings/Tulare
Burban
Los Ang
Bakersfield
Palmdale
LEGEND Phase 1 Phase 2 HSR Stations
Burbank Los Angeles Anaheim
LEGEND Phase 1 Phase 2 HSR Stations
VMA-LED COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT San Diego
EFFECTIVE PUBLIC OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT
SUBJECT TO CHANGE – FEBRUARY 2021
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL The California High-Speed Rail Authority is building an 800-mile system connecting California’s major population centers through one of the largest infrastructure projects in U.S. history. With a $65 billion budget and construction extending through agricultural, suburban, and urban communities, effective communication has been essential to maintaining public understanding and support.
workshops, and briefings to educate residents, engage local leaders, and resolve technical concerns. We directed outreach for the Bakersfieldto-Palmdale and Burbank-to-Los Angeles project sections, both of which achieved CEQA/ NEPA clearance in 2020 and 2021, marking the first Southern California segments to reach that milestone.
VMA Communications has led large-scale outreach and engagement efforts from Shafter to San Diego, spearheading CEQA/NEPA public involvement, Title VI compliance, political coordination, and government affairs strategy. Our team organized and facilitated hundreds of public meetings,
Earlier, VMA played a pivotal role in building statewide momentum for the system’s launch by managing political outreach and campaign communications that contributed to the passage of Proposition 1A, the $9.95 billion HSR bond initiative.
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CASE STUDY
SCAN TO WATCH:
THE BONITA WAY
FULL-SERVICE COMMUNICATIONS, PRODUCTION, AND MEDIA MANAGEMENT
BONITA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Serving more than 10,000 students in the San Gabriel Valley, Bonita Unified School District provides an educational experience rooted in equity, mastery, and results. Since 2018, VMA has partnered with the District to strengthen community engagement, increase enrollment, and elevate awareness of its successes. VMA’s work includes consistent branding, social media management, media relations, and production of professional photography, videos, and print collateral. The team produces Reports to the Community and showcase videos featured at
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Bonita Unified’s annual State of the District events, where storytelling highlights how the District creates a culture where every student can learn, grow, and thrive. Dynamic digital newsletters and bimonthly Superintendent’s Updates keep families informed and connected. Through strategic messaging and creative storytelling, VMA continues to help Bonita Unified share its achievements and reinforce its commitment to excellence across all schools and programs.
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CASE STUDY
STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE COMMUNITY AND LEGISLATURE
KARMA AUTOMOTIVE In 2023, Karma Automotive entered a new chapter focused on innovation, sustainability, and workforce development. To elevate its profile and connect with the community, Karma partnered with VMA Communications to highlight the company’s role in clean transportation and local economic growth. VMA built partnerships with colleges, trade schools, and civic leaders, coordinating tours of the Karma Innovation and Customization Center in Moreno Valley and the Irvine Design Studio for educators and elected officials. The firm also produced
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VMA elevates client priorities with public officials through events like “Karma Day.”
branded videos, fact sheets, and collateral that showcased Karma’s advanced technology, job training initiatives, and regional impact. In 2024, VMA organized Karma Day at the State Capitol, where the Karma Revero was displayed and policymakers, including Congressman Mark Takano, experienced the company’s commitment to innovation firsthand. These efforts expanded Karma’s visibility, strengthened local partnerships, and positioned the company as a leader in California’s evolving clean-energy economy.
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CASE STUDY
BRANDING, STRATEGIC OUTREACH, AND INFRASTRUCTURE STORYTELLING
METROLINK Metrolink’s $10-billion Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) program advances the agency’s vision of a zero-emissions future while improving reliability, safety, and access ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games. To support this effort, Metrolink engaged VMA Communications to increase awareness, build community support, and strengthen brand consistency. VMA developed a comprehensive branding strategy and messaging framework that unified SCORE materials such as fact sheets, flyers, and social media graphics across all communications. VMA
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SCAN TO WATCH:
STATE OF GOOD REPAIR
continues to provide strategic outreach and event support to reinforce Metrolink’s role as a trusted mobility provider. In 2024, VMA produced Metrolink: State of Good Repair, a short documentary capturing behind-thescenes inspections, technology, and maintenance efforts that keep trains safe and sustainable. Through compelling storytelling and visuals, the video helped riders and stakeholders better understand the agency’s commitment to reliability and environmental stewardship.
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CASE STUDY
TY FLOOD
LA COUN
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CONTRO
Credits
FOOTHILL BOULEVARD
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ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
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Funding Distribution
tion, informa er LA For more Flood Control District Program (10%) , Clean Wat rg, the Safe LA.o please visit SafeCleanWater unty.gov, at Municipal Program (40%) pw.laco website nWaterLA@Water hotline Clea n email Safe Safe, Clea 275-7297 Regional Program (50%) or call the -SCWP or 1(833) ASK at 1(833)
• District Program (10% of Total Revenue): LA County Flood Control District administers the program and oversees capacity building programs including public education programs, local workforce job training, and school education programs. • Municipal Program (40% of Total Revenue): Cities receive direct funding proportional to the revenues generated within their boundaries to address local Stormwater and Urban Runoff challenges and opportunities.
Wednesday, February 23, 2022 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. via Zoom
• Regional Program (50% of Total Revenue): Nine Watershed Area Steering Committees develop annual Stormwater Investment Plans. Watershed Coordinators connect potential applicants with technical resources and build inclusion and meaningful engagement.
Zoom Link: https://bit.ly/foothill-blvd-atp2 Passcode: 174322
Los Angeles County Public Works is excited to announce a new planning initiative along Foothill Boulevard to better connect the Cities of Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, and the unincorporated community of La Crescenta-Montrose. We want to hear from you as we explore active transportation improvements along the corridor, including new and upgraded bike lanes, safer pedestrian access, bus stop enhancements, and new street trees and landscaping. Join us to learn more about the Plan and how you can get involved!
This meeting will be held in English. If you require translation or meeting materials in another language, please email us at slai@pw.lacounty.gov. RSVP/Questions: Shirley Lai Project Manager slai@pw.lacounty.gov (626) 300-2619
The Safe, Clean Water special parcel tax is 2.5 cents per square foot of impermeable surface area on properties within the LA County Flood Control District. Impermeable surfaces are areas covered by hardscape-like materials such as buildings and other structures, asphalt, and concrete. Tax bills are mailed each October.
Exemptions and Reductions Low-income senior property owners may apply for an exemption from the special parcel tax. Very low-income and extremely low-income household property owners may apply for a reduction from the special parcel tax. Forms available at the Safe, Clean Water LA website are due May 1st for each upcoming tax year. Parcels that are exempt from ad valorem property taxes are automatically exempt from this special parcel tax. This includes qualifying non-profit organizations and other exempt properties.
Curious how money is being spent? Visit the Safe, Clean Water LA website.
Annual Regional Program Sequence
1 2
Regional Program Call for Projects opens
3
Steering Committees develop an recommend annual Stormwater Investment Plans (SIPs) based on Scoring Committee input, watershed needs, and alignment with Program Goals
4
Regional Oversight Committee reviews SIPs and provides recommendations to County Boa of Supervisors regarding final SIP approval
5
Upon approval of SIPs, project developers enter into fund Transf Agreements with District and receive funds
Proponents work with Watershed Coordinators and communities to develop and submit multi-benefi projects and studies by the annu deadline (typically July 31st)
• For the Regional Program, visit the Safe, Clean Water Program Portal to see details for all projects to date, progress reports, and customizable summaries of benefits provided • For the Municipal Program, view Annual Plans at the Municipalities page
Sign-Ups Open for Bear-Resistant Cart Program!
Bear-resistant carts can significantly reduce food waste access, thereby mitigating conflicts and enhancing the safety of both bears and humans.
¡Inscripciones abiertas para el programa de carritos de basura resistentes a los osos!
Los carros resistentes a los osos pueden reducir significativamente el acceso al desperdicio de alimentos, mitigando así los conflictos y mejorando la seguridad tanto de los osos como de los humanos.
Scan QR Code to sign-up or call UWS at (626) 677-3990 or (888) CleanLA Escanee el código QR para registrarse o llame a UWS al (626) 677-3990 o (888) CleanLA.
CREATIVE SERVICES AND TARGETED COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
From e-waste to SB 1383 compliance, VMA helps communities get waste rules right.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS Since 2019, VMA Communications has served on the Los Angeles County Public Works Communications Bench, providing strategic outreach, design, and multimedia services across multiple divisions. VMA has produced drone videography showcasing major construction programs in East Los Angeles, Calabasas, and Ladera Park; delivered highquality graphic design for fact sheets, brochures, and digital media; and supported community outreach for projects such as the Huntington Drive reconstruction. For LA County Waterworks, VMA developed a refreshed brand identity and conservation
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messaging for bill inserts and social media, along with a fifth-grade curriculum to promote water stewardship. The team also planned and executed the County’s Organic Waste Management Summit, crafting bilingual messaging and outreach materials to advance public understanding of Senate Bill 1383. Through creativity, responsiveness, and technical expertise, VMA has become a trusted partner helping Public Works engage residents, visualize progress, and communicate complex infrastructure programs clearly and effectively.
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CASE STUDY
PROJECT AREA: Metro Bakersfield Moves will focus on transit investments in this area:
GET INVOLVED AND STAY CONNECTED! Public participation is critical to the development of the LRTP. Input opportunities include:
PUBLIC MEETINGS POP UP EVENTS
PROJECT WEBSITE ONLINE SURVEYS
Visit the project website to learn more:
BakersfieldMoves.com
Golden Empire Transit (GET) needs your input to develop a new Long-Range Transit Plan (LRTP) for the Metro Bakersfield area. Metro Bakersfield Moves is a collaboration between GET and Kern Council of Governments. The first phase of the year-long planning effort involves analyzing existing transit service, demographics, and travel patterns. Public participation is a vital component of the LRTP. Transit riders, community stakeholders, and regional partners will be engaged throughout the project. The completed LRTP will include detailed recommendations for transit service and capital investments over the next 20 years.
KEY ELEMENTS OF THE PLAN:
Identify local and regional transportation needs, challenges, and opportunities
Create a cohesive planning effort by listening to transit riders and community stakeholders
Prioritize short to long-term transit investments for Metropolitan Bakersfield
PROJECT TIMELINE: WINTER 2022 Kickoff project
PUBLIC MEETING FACILITATION AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
SPRING
FALL
WINTER 2023
Analyze existing conditions
Develop potential scenarios
Develop draft recommendations
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
SPRING
Finalize recommendations
The Metro Bakersfield LRTP will be a component of the Kern COG Regional Transportation Plan.
OVER
KERN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS When the Kern Council of Governments (COG) initiated a study to identify new transit opportunities for rural communities in 2018, VMA Communications was selected to lead public engagement. The challenge was to reach dispersed populations across a large county and gather meaningful feedback on mobility needs. VMA created a multilingual outreach plan that included stakeholder briefings, pop-up information tables, public open houses, and presentations at local events. Materials such as fact sheets,
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FAQs, comment cards, and display graphics were developed in both English and Spanish. The team coordinated ad placements in regional and community media outlets and collaborated with local organizations to share meeting notices. This inclusive, accessible outreach model successfully increased participation and produced actionable community input, resulting in stronger engagement outcomes than previous efforts and ensuring that residents’ voices directly informed the study’s recommendations.
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CASE STUDY
MEETING FACILITATION
SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT (AB 617) Since 2018, VMA Communications has supported the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (AQMD) AB 617 Community Steering Committees, grassroots groups that shape air-quality and healthimprovement plans for environmental justice communities across Southern California. VMA has worked closely with communities in the Eastern Coachella Valley, Wilmington/Carson/West Long Beach, and East Los Angeles/Boyle Heights/ West Commerce, providing bilingual facilitation and outreach support tailored to each region’s needs. The firm has managed both in-person and virtual meetings, coordinated logistics, and ensured
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inclusive participation by residents, community leaders, and technical experts. VMA currently serves as the lead facilitator for the Eastern Coachella Valley, continuing to guide engagement efforts and strengthen community-driven collaboration. Drawing on deep cultural and regional expertise, VMA helps translate complex air-quality information into accessible and actionable dialogue. The team’s facilitation and consensus-building skills have been instrumental in developing air-monitoring and emissions-reduction plans that reflect genuine community priorities and drive measurable environmental progress.
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CASE STUDY
ENROLLMENT
LYNWOOD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT VMA Communications has partnered with Lynwood Unified School District for more than a decade, strengthening enrollment, communications, and community engagement. In 2024, the District launched a comprehensive Enrollment Marketing Campaign to counter statewide declines and highlight its outstanding academic, arts, and career programs. VMA created a bilingual digital advertising campaign across Google, Facebook, and Instagram that featured vibrant visuals, professional photography, and video storytelling to showcase
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the District’s early education, dual enrollment, and career technical pathways. Complementary eblasts, postcards, and newsletters reinforced the message across print and digital channels. The three-month campaign generated more than 1.1 million impressions, 48,000 video plays, and over 13,000 visits to the enrollment webpage. The District received 675 direct inquiries, surpassing projections and reversing downward trends. Through datadriven strategy and authentic storytelling, VMA helped Lynwood Unified celebrate its successes and inspire families to join its thriving school community.
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CASE STUDY
WEBSITE DESIGN
CLAREMONT LEWIS MUSEUM OF ART As the Claremont Lewis Museum of Art prepared for major growth, including a name change, facility expansion, and increased programming, it needed a modern, user-friendly website that reflected its evolving identity. VMA Communications designed and built a site that captures the museum’s vibrant personality and makes its exhibitions and events easy to explore. The new website integrates clean design with intuitive navigation, automatically adapts for mobile users, and provides a seamless content
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management system for the museum’s small staff. The layout encourages visitors to engage more deeply by discovering current exhibitions, exploring educational programs, and supporting the museum through memberships and donations. VMA’s redesign brought the museum’s digital presence in line with its artistic vision, enhancing visibility, accessibility, and community engagement. The finished site reflects both the museum’s sophistication and its welcoming spirit. Visit clmoa.org.
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CASE STUDY
BRANDING
COVINA-VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT VMA Communications has helped school districts across Southern California strengthen their visual identity and connect with their communities through clear, modern branding. For Covina-Valley Unified School District, serving more than 11,000 students, VMA led a collaborative discovery process to define the District’s core values
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of innovation, heritage, and student success. The design team created multiple logo concepts and a refined brand that honors Covina-Valley’s history while presenting a forward-looking image. VMA also developed a detailed brand guide and rollout plan to ensure a smooth transition across print, digital, and event materials.
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CASE STUDY
SCAN TO WATCH:
CLU TESTIMONIAL
MARKETING
CLAREMONT LINCOLN UNIVERSITY Claremont Lincoln University (CLU) is an accredited, nonprofit online graduate institution dedicated to preparing socially conscious leaders for roles in public service and nonprofit sectors. Partnering during a period of growth, VMA Communications helped CLU refine its brand identity, expand reach, and drive enrollment across multiple programs. The VMA team produced a suite of branded collateral, motion graphics, and testimonial videos featuring public-sector leaders, illustrating the real-world impact of a CLU education. To reach
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prospective students, VMA launched targeted digital advertising across Google and LinkedIn, combining awareness and conversion tactics throughout the enrollment cycle. The campaigns delivered millions of impressions and thousands of clicks, significantly boosting web traffic and inquiries. Together, these creative and digital strategies enhanced CLU’s visibility, strengthened its market position, and helped the institution connect with new audiences committed to ethical, values-based leadership.
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CASE STUDY
Our Children. Learning Today. Leading Tomorrow.
Facilities Report Fall 2024
FACILITIES MESSAGING
PASADENA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Since 2024, VMA Communications has supported Pasadena Unified School District with strategic facilities communications that strengthen transparency and public understanding of Measure O bond investments. VMA produced an eightpage Facilities Report outlining completed and upcoming modernization projects, along with monthly milestone updates, fact sheet content, and weekly talking points for Board of Education meetings. Following the Eaton Fire, VMA also developed an eight-page Report to the Community documenting bond-funded improvements and the District’s recovery progress, ensuring clear, accessible
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information for families, staff, and community stakeholders. This work reflects VMA’s broader facilities communications and community outreach practices. We routinely support school districts with bond campaign communications and voter education, construction-phase outreach, crisis-response messaging, and public-facing materials that explain complex funding, schedules, and impacts. Our approach helps build the understanding, trust, and community support necessary for facilities bond measures to pass and for districts to sustain confidence throughout implementation.
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VMA INSTANTLY ‘GOT US.’
Their insights, expertise, and strategic input in community outreach, special events management, government affairs, and public relations have been invaluable. Importantly, they worked with all our stakeholders, educating and encouraging residents and business leaders to participate in the process as well as strengthening relationships with local and state politicians. — Tom Bakaly, Beach Cities Health District, Chief Executive Officer
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YOUR NEXT PROJECT STARTS HERE. CONNECT WITH US TODAY. PUBLIC AFFAIRS | COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS
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