10/09/2026
Official Freeport EDC Facebook Announcement
📢 INVESTING IN FREEPORT'S FUTURE: THE CITYWIDE WAYFINDING PROJECT
The Freeport Economic Development Corporation (FEDC) recognizes the importance of investing in improvements that strengthen our community, support local businesses, and create a welcoming environment for residents and visitors.
One of those investments is the Citywide Wayfinding Project, an initiative that has been discussed in Freeport for more than a decade.
The FEDC recognized an opportunity to help bring this long-awaited project to life while alleviating some of the financial burden on the City's general budget.
🏙️ What Is the Wayfinding Project?
Wayfinding is much more than a logo or decorative signage.
The goal is to create a coordinated signage system throughout Freeport that will:
✅ Help visitors locate businesses, parks, attractions, and community facilities.
✅ Improve navigation throughout the city.
✅ Create welcoming entrances into Freeport.
✅ Increase visibility for local businesses and encourage visitors to explore our community.
✅ Establish consistent signage that celebrates Freeport's unique history and identity.
💰 Investing in Our Community
The Freeport EDC has committed resources to the professional planning and design of this project, representing approximately $120,000 in previously identified project funding.
But our commitment does not stop with developing a plan.
The FEDC plans to allocate $100,000 annually toward implementing the Wayfinding Project through Fiscal Year 2031–2032, subject to annual budget approval and applicable project authorizations.
This long-term investment is intended to help fund the phased implementation of wayfinding improvements on behalf of the City of Freeport.
Rather than placing the full financial responsibility for this initiative on the City's general budget, the EDC is utilizing economic development resources to help move the project forward.
Our goal is to invest in improvements that benefit Freeport's businesses, residents, and future economic growth.
🤝 Working Together with City Leadership
While the EDC is providing funding and supporting project development, the City of Freeport and its elected leadership retain final decision-making authority over City approvals throughout the project.
The FEDC remains committed to maintaining a collaborative relationship with City Council throughout all three phases. (A second workshop is in the process of being scheduled soon to get more feedback that was recommended by Council on October 5th.)
Phase I: Planning and Branding (We are here!)
Development and evaluation of potential branding concepts, including the City logo and visual identity.
Phase II: Wayfinding Design
Development and consideration of signage concepts, locations, and designs that best serve Freeport.
Phase III: Implementation
Installation and implementation of approved wayfinding improvements throughout the community.
The EDC's role is to help provide the resources necessary to advance this initiative, while the City's governing authorities retain responsibility for final decisions and approvals.
🎨 Clarifying the Proposed Logo Designs
We understand that recently circulated images have raised questions among residents. One preliminary design included the phrase "Port of Energy."
This wording was used as a placeholder during the early design process. Following internal review, EDC staff requested its removal to avoid misrepresenting Freeport's identity. The revised design presented for consideration did not include the phrase "Port of Energy." It is also important to understand that proposed branding concepts are part of the design evaluation process.
A proposed logo is not an officially adopted City logo.
The final decision regarding the City's official branding remains with City Council.
📖 Transparency Every Step of the Way
The FEDC believes that residents should have access to accurate information about projects affecting their community.
That is why we have made project documents, survey information, presentations, and progress updates available to the public.
Residents can review these materials at:
🌐 https://www.freeportedc.com/business-assistance/financial-incentives
Navigate to Studies & Strategic Plans → Citywide Wayfinding Study & Strategic Plans.
❤️ Moving Freeport Forward, Together
Freeport's history and character are part of what makes our community special.
Our objective has never been to erase that identity. It is to make Freeport more accessible, recognizable, and welcoming while supporting the businesses and destinations that contribute to our local economy.
The Freeport EDC is proud to invest in projects that strengthen our community while working in partnership with the City of Freeport.
We appreciate our residents' passion for their community and look forward to continuing this important work together.
Thank you,
Freeport Economic Development Corporation
