Town of Paradise
FOCUS AREA: Post-Disaster Communication, Community Recovery, Economic Development
The Challenge
The 2018 Camp Fire destroyed 90% of the Town of Paradise, displacing nearly the entire population. Residents, scattered nationwide, faced uncertainty about rebuilding, while misinformation spread and trust in institutions faltered. The Town urgently needed a communications strategy to reconnect residents, foster hope, and drive momentum.
Our Solution
Blue Flamingo became the Town of Paradise’s strategic communications partner in early 2019, embedding with staff to lead post-disaster communication and public engagement.
- Communication Channels: Built networks to reach displaced residents, leveraged stakeholders to amplify reach, ensured consistency across platforms.
- Weekly Cadence: Delivered weekly emails, media coordination, and town updates to 4,000+ subscribers.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Created and maintained a partner database to align agencies and community groups.
- Brand Development: Rebuilt MakeItParadise.org into the official recovery hub with checklists, videos, and personal stories.
- Crisis Infrastructure: Established clear, multi-channel messaging across social, print, email, broadcast, and live events.
- Reputation & Narrative: Partnered with national and local media to shift perception and attract investment.
- Resident Reconnection: Hosted monthly live-streamed meetings, pop-up events, and provided printed materials for non-digital residents.
The Results
- Paradise named California’s fastest-growing city (2023 & 2024)
- 50% email open rate (well above industry average)
- 1,749+ monthly visits to MakeItParadise.org
- 2,000+ attendees at the one-year Camp Fire remembrance
- National recognition for crisis communication & recovery leadership