How to Issue an RFQ for a Municipal Branding Project

How to Issue an RFQ for a Municipal Branding Project

Issuing an RFQ for a municipal branding project can feel overwhelming, especially if your community has never gone through a branding initiative before. While every city, village and community has unique goals, one thing remains consistent: the success of a branding project is often determined long before the first logo concept is ever presented.

At Creative Entourage, we've worked with communities throughout the Midwest to guide branding initiatives that are rooted in research, community engagement and strategic planning. Through that experience, we've seen firsthand what helps projects move forward successfully and what can create challenges during the selection and implementation process.

A municipal brand is much more than a logo. It is a reflection of a community's identity, values and aspirations. The RFQ process should help identify a partner that can not only create a visual identity, but also engage stakeholders, build community support and develop a brand that reflects the people who call the community home.

Whether you are a city manager, communications professional, economic development leader or elected official, this guide is designed to help you understand the key considerations, common pitfalls and best practices for developing an RFQ that attracts qualified partners and sets your project up for success.

Below, we've outlined recommendations based on our experience working with municipalities and public sector organizations, along with practical tips to help your community navigate the process with confidence.