Explanation
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a marketing and branding agreement with Canvaas Consulting LLC. Canvaas Consulting shall evaluate the Department of Public Utilities’ existing stormwater programming and outreach efforts, with a particular focus on initiatives targeted at developers, contractors, restaurant owners, and other key stakeholder groups. This evaluation will assess the effectiveness of current materials, messaging, and engagement strategies in promoting responsible stormwater management practices.
Based on the findings of this evaluation, the contractor shall develop improved and/or new outreach programming, materials, and messaging that are demonstrably effective at encouraging measurable behavior change related to stormwater management among the identified audiences.
In addition, the contractor will create and implement a cohesive and unified brand identity to consolidate all stormwater outreach efforts. This branding shall align with and complement the broader branding strategy of the Department of Public Utilities. All enhanced messaging and materials developed through this contract must be seamlessly integrated into this new brand identity to ensure consistency and clarity across all communication platforms.
If project phasing is required, the initial phase will focus on the evaluation and strategy development, followed by a subsequent phase dedicated to the design and implementation of new branding and outreach components.
The term of this contract will be from date of execution by the City of Columbus through and including to January 1, 2026
PROCUREMENT: RFPs were received 2/14/2025. Proposals were evaluated based on the selection criteria outlined in the RFP and in accordance with Columbus City Code, Title 3, Section 329.28.
SUPPLIER: Canvaas Consulting LLC DAX# (031214) Expires 11/29/2025
SUB-CONSULTANT: 8:28 Insights DAX# (050343) Expires 9/11/2026
FISCAL IMPACT: $60,000.00 is needed for agreement and is budgeted and available for this project.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a marketing and branding agreement with Canvaas Consulting LLC; and to authorize the expenditure of $60,000.00 from the Storm Sewer Operating Fund. ($60,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the proposed stormwater outreach and branding initiative offers substantial economic, community, and environmental benefits. By improving education and engagement around stormwater management, this project will drive positive behavioral changes among key stakeholders-such as developers, contractors, and restaurant owners-ultimately reducing the financial burden of non-compliance, infrastructure damage, and environmental degradation, and
WHEREAS, effective stormwater management reduces the frequency and severity of localized flooding, lowers maintenance costs for public infrastructure, and minimizes the risk of fines associated with regulatory non-compliance. By promoting preventative practices, this project helps avoid costly repairs and environmental remediation efforts. Additionally, a cohesive and recognizable outreach campaign may increase voluntary compliance, reducing enforcement costs and supporting local businesses in adopting best practices that can lead to operational efficiencies and potential cost savings., and
WHEREAS, at its core, the project advances sustainable environmental practices by addressing stormwater runoff-a leading cause of pollution in urban water systems. Through targeted education and behavioral change, the initiative supports reduced pollutant loads, improved water quality, and healthier ecosystems, and
WHEREAS, $60,000.00 has been budgeted and is available, and
WHEREAS, the term of this contract will be from the date of execution by the City of Columbus through and including January 1, 2026, and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities to authorize the Director to enter into a contract for marketing and branding services with Canvaas Consulting to evaluate stormwater outreach programs and create and implement a cohesive brand identity to consolidate all stormwater outreach efforts; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Public Utilities is hereby authorized to enter into contract with Canvaas Consulting LLC, 2215 Citygate Dr. Ste E Columbus, Ohio 43219, for the purpose of stormwater outreach and education for stakeholders in order to reduce costs of non-compliance, infrastructure damage, and environmental degradation. The term of this agreement will be from the date of execution by the City of Columbus through and including January 1, 2026.
SECTION 2. That the project offers substantial economic, community, and environmental benefits. These benefits include lowering the risk and severity of localized flooding, reducing costly repair and environmental remediation, and advancing sustainable environmental practices.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $60,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 6200 Storm Sewer Operating Fund in object class 03 Services per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 5. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.