Private consultant pitches 'RunX Run Trenton' plan to mobilize partners and funding for citywide initiatives

Julian Wall of IBB Global presented 'RunX Run Trenton,' a civic initiative the firm describes as part of a MAD (making a difference) campaign aimed at aligning leadership, partners and financing around a citywide civic signature event and related projects.

Wall framed the initiative as a five-year effort (2026–2030) that would set measurable targets for people engaged, projects funded and private or institutional partners involved. On a slide Wall described 'what success looks like' and referenced a $10,000,000 mobilization target for Trenton-based projects. He said funding would primarily come from partners engaged in CSR/ESG-aligned philanthropy and corporate support, although the city might fund capacity-building elements when appropriate.

Council Vice President Williams asked for clarity about the source of the funds; Wall said partners would identify which specific projects they would support and that a fund manager or governing board could be established with council representation. Wall described the program model as private–public partnership oriented and emphasized targets on participation and measurable outcomes: “We set targets…100,000 participants across the runs and projects,” he said.

Business Administrator Maria Richardson said the presenter could circulate a full brief to council; the clerk confirmed Wall would email the presentation and that staff would distribute it to council members for follow-up.

Why it matters: The initiative proposes private-sector fundraising and community mobilization tied to civic projects and a high-visibility anniversary campaign. Council members sought specifics about committed partners, governance, and whether new city expenditure would be required.

Next steps: Wall and IBB Global will provide council a detailed brief and a list of proposed partners and governance documents for council review; council did not take formal action at the meeting.