The City of Wauwatosa officially unveiled a new design element during its State of the City event. The new element represents a shift toward a more accessible, digital-first experience for residents and businesses.
A Community-Driven Process
In 2025, the Wauwatosa Common Council gave direction to evolve the city’s digital presence while also preserving the historic City Seal.
The design is the result of several listening sessions involving a wide cross-section of the community. Participants included high school students, small business owners, long-time residents, and representatives from the Equity & Inclusion, Sustainability, and the Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
“When we sat down with our community to talk about Wauwatosa’s identity, one theme was constant: the people here are ‘doers,’” said Communications Manager Eva Ennamorato. “There is a deep spirit of stewardship here – involvement in local boards, organizing events, participating in government. The design carries their active, connected energy and how they feel about Wauwatosa.”
About the Design
This icon was inspired by our many beautiful neighborhoods and green spaces found in Wauwatosa. You’ll notice the trees forming a home, representing a deeply rooted community. The branches appear to be holding hands, and perhaps you’ll notice the “W” shape they form. The small twinkle between the dates is a nod to our fireflies. “Wauwatosa” means firefly in the Potawatomi language.
Phased Implementation
While the design made its debut today, residents will see it rolled out in phases:
Summer 2026: A soft launch will begin across various city platforms and social media.
Late 2026: The design will be fully integrated into a brand-new, modernized city website designed for improved navigation and digital accessibility.
The City Seal will remain the official mark of Wauwatosa, continuing to appear on street signs, police patches, and formal documents. The new design element will complement the seal by providing a flexible, clear identity for digital and promotional use.