In August 2025, the California Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) presented Tripepi Smith client, the City of Yorba Linda, with the Award of Excellence in Communications Initiative and Outreach for the City’s 2021–29 Housing Element Community Outreach project. The honor recognizes “an individual, project or program that uses information and education about the value of planning to create greater awareness among citizens or specific segments of the public.”
The collaboration between Yorba Linda and Tripepi Smith began in July 2023 with the goal of engaging the community and providing clear, accessible information about the Housing Element — a policy document that identifies zoning changes necessary to meet state-mandated housing development opportunity numbers. Before Tripepi Smith’s involvement, the year prior, a related land use ballot measure to bring Yorba Linda in compliance failed, receiving only 25% voter support.
“Passing Measure JJ was a crucial part of upholding our community’s vision for thoughtful growth and preservation,” said Community Development Director Nate Farnsworth. “The team did a great job of bringing engagement and support to the matter. The APA award is the cherry on top. We’re thrilled with the outcome of this partnership with Tripepi Smith.”
To raise awareness and gather community input for a second attempt at a ballot measure, Tripepi Smith and the City employed a variety of outreach tools, including animated videos, a dedicated informational website, print and digital advertising and email, social media and print campaigns. The team also hosted 32 presentations and meetings with community groups and residents to encourage open dialogue and understanding.
The outreach effort proved highly effective at better explaining the policy choices for the residents. Measure JJ, the Yorba Linda Local Control, Residential Neighborhood, Open Space Protection Measure passed with more than 90% voter approval, bringing Yorba Linda into compliance with state housing requirements while allowing the City to retain local control over zoning. The measure also reaffirmed the community’s priorities of open space preservation, neighborhood character, traffic management and opportunities for small businesses.
In announcing the award, APA California commended the project: “By prioritizing education, transparency and community-led dialogue, this campaign transformed public skepticism into 90% voter approval — setting a new standard for inclusive, effective planning communication.”
This recognition adds to Tripepi Smith’s growing list of honors for excellence in local government communications. In September 2025, the APA California Chapter Orange Section, which serves over 500 members across Orange County, also presented the project with the Award of Merit in Communications Initiative and Outreach. Prior awards have recognized Tripepi Smith’s work on state of the city events, graphic design projects and general local government industry contributions.
“Yorba Linda staff gave up dozens of evenings to engage with residents and meeting them in their neighborhoods and online. It was a huge effort, but the trust fall into the hands of residents was critical to building mutual trust and identifying the best possible policy outcome that would meet the goals of the community,” said President Ryder Todd Smith. “This was an important project and we’re honored that it’s been recognized by APA California.”
Tripepi Smith continues to partner with public agencies across California to deliver communication and engagement services with speed, precision and impact.
About City of Yorba Linda
Yorba Linda, known as the “Land of Gracious Living” is a city with a strong sense of community and small-town character. Incorporated in 1967, Yorba Linda is comprised of 20 square miles and remains a suburban community characterized by mostly residential family neighborhoods, key commercial centers, parklands and open space, multi-use trails, and important historic resources. Recognized as one of the “100 Best Places to Live” in the United States, Yorba Linda continues to uphold its shared values of responsible growth, preservation of existing neighborhood character, and conservation of natural resources.
About Tripepi Smith
Tripepi Smith is a California-based marketing, technology and public affairs firm that serves for-profit, nonprofit and public agencies. Its unique mix of marketing and technology prowess provides a competitive advantage to agencies seeking to leverage the internet to achieve their communication goals. The firm provides full content creation services, including: ghost writing, collateral development, photography, video production, aerial imagery, search engine optimization, email marketing campaigns and website design and execution. Tripepi Smith’s diverse clients include: City of American Canyon, City of Calabasas, City of Culver City, City of Cupertino, City of Daly City, City of Grover Beach, City of Indian Wells, City of La Cañada Flintridge, City of Lake Forest, City of Livermore, City of Malibu, City of Napa, City of Palmdale, City of Paramount, City of Tracy, CalChoice Energy Authority, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, Santa Clara County Fire Department, Costa Mesa Sanitary District, Rowland Water District, California City Management Foundation, Renne Public Law Group, West Coast Arborists, Scripps College, Blind Children’s Center and Climatec.
