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Brisbane launches Economic Vitality Office to boost business engagement and sponsorships
Summary
Economic Vitality Director Mitch Bull described a new Economic Vitality Office (EVO) focused on business outreach, sponsorships, volunteerism and trail adoption; he said Brisbane has roughly 4,500 residents and around 600 businesses and asked the commission for ideas and partnerships.
Mitch Bull, introduced as Brisbane’s Economic Vitality Director, told the Park and Recreation Commission on Nov. 12 that the city launched an Economic Vitality Office (EVO) to increase business engagement with city programs and amenities.
Bull framed EVO as a shift from traditional "development" to "vitality," meaning ongoing collaboration with businesses to support sponsorships, volunteer work, and greater participation in city life. He said staff are conducting outreach to major tenants and asked parks commissioners to connect the office to opportunities such as adopt-a-trail programs, sponsoring benches, and co‑sponsoring community events. "We want them to be involved with volunteerism. We want them to be involved with sponsorships," Bull said.
Bull provided contextual figures: Brisbane has "basically 4,500 residents" and about 600 businesses, and he said there are more people working in Brisbane than living there (he estimated roughly 9,000 workers). He noted the city has long-term business partnerships that support student scholarships and other programs, and said early EVO goals include increasing sponsorship revenue and encouraging businesses to adopt trails or support mission-critical facilities.
Commissioners suggested practical tactics, including holding events when employees are present, highlighting local manufacturers and small businesses in city communications, and exploring partnerships with corporate tenants at Sierra Point and Crocker Park. Bull said the office is new (about three months) and that he currently works two days a week but is actively building outreach materials including a short "Welcome to Brisbane" video.
No formal action was taken; Bull asked commissioners to email ideas and to liaise through staff (Noreen) for follow-up.
