Commission endorses branding committee recommendation to hire Redhead Design Studio

The Mount Clemens City Commission on Feb. 16 accepted a recommendation from a six‑member branding committee to proceed with Redhead Design Studio for a city-wide branding project.

City staff described the procurement process: an RFP was issued, 24 proposals were received, a committee of six reviewers independently scored submissions and conducted interviews with finalists. Four proposals rose to the top; the committee ultimately narrowed the finalists to Redhead Design Studio and another firm before unanimously recommending Redhead.

Staff emphasized Redhead's discovery-phase approach, which includes systematic outreach to residents, businesses and visitors to shape a place-based brand. "Redhead was particularly sensitive to the need for diversity, inclusion, and accessibility," a committee summary read; staff said Redhead devoted an entire page of its proposal to those topics and also conducted a quiet site visit prior to interview.

Commissioners discussed local-preference rules. Administration clarified that the city's local-preference ordinance (a 5% advantage for Mount Clemens firms and a 2.5% advantage for Macomb County firms) applies to bid procurement but does not govern selection of professional services, which are evaluated on qualifications rather than price. Staff said local-preference adjustments would not have changed the set of finalists.

The motion to accept the committee's recommendation and authorize staff and the city attorney to draft a contract for the commission's future consideration passed on roll call.

What happens next: the city attorney will prepare a contract for presentation at a future commission meeting; the branding project will begin with a discovery phase involving residents, businesses and stakeholders if the commission approves the contract.