City of Columbus - File #: 1793-2026

• File #: 1793-2026
• Version: 1
• Type: Ordinance
• Status: Second Reading
• File created: 6/4/2026
• In control: Neighborhoods, Recreation, & Parks Committee
• On agenda: 6/29/2026
• Title: To authorize the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods to enter into a service contract with Heart and Hunter, Inc. dba Hunter Marketing for marketing, media consultation, communications, and creative services; to authorize the waiver of competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Codes; to authorize the expenditure of $89,000.00 from the General Fund; to authorize and direct the City Auditor to authorize payment to Hunter Marketing per invoice approved by the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods in an amount not to exceed $89,000.00 from fund 1000; and to declare an emergency. ($89,000.00)

Explanation
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this ordinance is to authorize the Department of Neighborhoods to enter into a service contract with Heart and Hunter Inc. dba Hunter Marketing in the amount of $89,000.00 for strategic marketing, communications, media consultation, and creative services in support of department programming and milestone anniversary initiatives and to declare an emergency.
Hunter Marketing is a full-service creative and marketing agency with a team of diverse, passionate and award-winning creatives. Hunter Marketing will provide media and marketing consultation services through a dedicated marketing consultant, project manager, and media consultant to assist the department in increasing awareness and engagement with programming and growing event attendance.
The Department of Neighborhoods will celebrate both the 20th anniversary of 311 and the department’s 10th anniversary this year. Hunter Marketing will develop and execute the anniversary campaigns; extension of related promotional and communications efforts as needed; video and photography capture of key departmental and community moments; production of an end-of-year 311 highlight reel; and printing and merchandise support.
In addition, Hunter Marketing will support ongoing department programming initiatives, including Rise UP, Ubuntu, and NALA with services that include development of marketing collateral, social media campaigns, video production, strategic communications, and related marketing support services.
This legislation seeks to allow reimbursement of expenses incurred prior to the purchase order date, but not before April 1, 2026. The Then and Now certificate is required pursuant to the City Auditor due to the funds being expended prior to the encumbrance of funds via purchase order.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds in the amount of $89,000.00 are available within the Department of Neighborhoods General Fund Budget as noted in the attached “Then and Now Certificate” as approved by the Cit...