In a recent meeting of the City of Brentwood's Communications Committee, members discussed significant progress on the city's branding and communications initiatives. The committee confirmed that the finalized communications plan has been approved by the board, marking a pivotal step in the implementation process.

The committee decided to conclude its partnership with Reftellus, the firm that assisted in developing the communications plan. While satisfied with the results, members expressed a desire to reassess their branding needs before proceeding with a new logo and branding style project. This decision reflects a commitment to ensuring that the city's branding aligns with its goals and community identity.

To move forward, committee members, including Alder and Gould, met with City Administrator Boller to outline a strategic plan. They emphasized the importance of community engagement and the need for a cohesive branding system that integrates logos across all city departments. This approach aims to address current fragmentation in branding and enhance the overall identity of Brentwood.

Looking ahead, the committee plans to conduct research and develop a comprehensive Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for potential branding partners. The goal is to issue this RFQ by December 1, 2025, allowing for responses to be collected by mid-January 2026. The committee has allocated approximately $50,000 for this project, with hopes of staying within budget.

The committee also drew inspiration from neighboring Maplewood, which recently completed a similar branding process and received a substantial number of responses. This exchange of ideas is expected to inform Brentwood's approach, ensuring clarity and efficiency in the selection of a branding partner.

As the committee continues to refine its strategy, it remains focused on creating a unified and engaging brand that resonates with the Brentwood community. The next steps will involve further development of the RFQ and ongoing updates to the committee as the project progresses.