Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to modify a professional service contract with Paul Werth Associates, Inc to extend the end date to December 31, 2026.
Original Agreement $100,000.00 Ordinance 0646-2025 PO500962
The Department of Development contract created a strategic communications partnership with Paul Werth Associates, Inc. thru 2026, to aid in strategic communications work, communications outreach, constituent messaging, constituent outreach, media relations, media planning, and paid media to ensure the messages shared with Columbus neighbors are clear and understandable to all who call Columbus home.
The work completed through this contract will educate audiences on how the department helps to make Columbus a more equitable community and foster prosperity for the city’s residents, businesses, and investors; highlight the Columbus Housing Strategy and demonstrate how our programming and funding activate the Strategy; demonstrate how economic development tools attract and retain businesses and promote capital investment; illustrate how our work helps business of all sizes reach their full potential, which in turn, creates community benefits; and show how our work fosters smart and sustainable growth.
In accordance with C.C. 329.09(a):
1. No additional funds are required by this ordinance.
2. The need to extend the contract term was unforeseen at the time the initial contract was awarded, but a legislative modification is required by operation of C.C. 329.09(b).
3. It is in the City’s best interest to continue with the Paul Werth Associates, Inc. for 2025 through 2026, to aid in strategic communications work, communications outreach, constituent messaging, constituent outreach, media relations, media planning, and paid media to ensure the messages shared with Columbus neighbors are clear and understandable to all who call Columbus home.
The department utilized the Request for Proposals (RFP) process in accordance with City procurement standards to solicit proposals. Proposals were submitted in response to RFQ029346 in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes. Paul Werth Associates, Inc. received the highest overall score from the RFP committee.
Contract Compliance: The vendor number is 004255 and expires 12/23/2026.
Fiscal Impact: There will be no additional cost for the program.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to modify a professional service contract with Paul Werth Associates, Inc to extend the end date to December 31, 2026. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, The Department of Development and Paul Werth Associates, Inc entered into a professional service contract in April 2025 with an award of $100,000.00 to aid in strategic communications work, communications outreach, constituent messaging, constituent outreach, media relations, media planning, and paid media to ensure the messages shared with Columbus neighbors are clear and understandable to all who call Columbus home; and
WHEREAS, the Director of the Department of Development is authorized to modify a professional service contract with Paul Werth Associates, Inc to extend the end date to December 31, 2026; and
WHEREAS, proposals were submitted in response to RFQ029346 in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes, and Paul Werth Associates, Inc. received the highest overall score from the RFP committee; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Development is authorized to modify a professional service contract with Paul Werth Associates, Inc to extend the end date to December 31, 2026.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.