Terrell hires Brand Era for marketing, council seeks stronger day-to-day resident communications
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Summary
The council approved a recommendation to contract with Brand Era for marketing and public relations; council members emphasized the contract should include routine communications (service updates, bilingual materials, meeting recaps) and community engagement like focus groups and town halls.
The Terrell City Council on June 3 approved staff's recommendation to contract with Brand Era (appearing in the meeting as "Brand Era"/"Brandera") to provide marketing and public relations services after a city RFQ process.
Senior policy analyst Amara Mata told council the city received 10 responses to the RFQ and identified six qualified firms; Brand Era was the staff-recommended selection after interviews. The firm will provide a range of services including website analysis, community outreach, advertising support, deliverable materials, podcasts and social-media content, and assistance with events such as the Terrell Citizens Academy.
Council members pressed staff and the vendor to include day-to-day resident communications in the contract scope — items such as timely notices on road closures or trash/bulk service changes, clear how-to information on service requests, council meeting recaps, and bilingual (English/Spanish) materials. Councilmember Donna Renee Anderson explicitly requested including "regular updates" and clear instructions for residents on how to access city services.
Beth and Rhonda, representatives from Brand Era, addressed the council and described an approach that begins with listening and research, including focus groups representative of long-term and newer residents, and tailoring content to local priorities. Rhonda said she "fell in love instantly" with Terrell on a preliminary visit and highlighted the city's historic downtown and community energy. Brand Era noted Terrell ISD is an existing client and said it would coordinate with city staff and other local partners.
Council approved the staff recommendation by motion from Phil Robinson with a second from Donna Renee Anderson. The motion directs staff to negotiate a contract with Brand Era and authorizes the interim city manager to execute the agreement. Council members asked for measurable deliverables focused on improving resident understanding of city services and increasing bilingual outreach.
