To: Dr. Beverly Brown, Community & Economic Development Committee Chairperson
From: Derek Bradshaw, Director
it
RE: Approval of the Genesee County Legacy Trails: Marketing and Branding Consultant contract in the amount of $175,000.00
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
The Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission (GCMPC) is recommending approval of the Genesee County Legacy Trails Marketing and Branding Consultant contract with Destination by Design in the amount of $175,000 and for the Board Chairperson Dale K. Weighill to sign the contract. Staff is also requesting approval to create a purchase order for Destination by Design in the amount of $175,000 for this activity.
BACKGROUND:
The Genesee County Metropolitan Alliance approved a five-year strategic trails plan for Flint and Genesee County in March 2026. The Plan provides a clear framework to expand trail connectivity, strengthen partnerships, provide accessible travel, and accelerate the delivery of trail projects countywide.
The Genesee County Board of Commissioners accepted an award of $275,000 from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation on January 28th, 2026. Funding this grant, (#2025-13792), was set aside specifically to be used to develop a branding and marketing strategy.
The Genesee County Board of Commissioners accepted an award of $3,500,000 from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation on July 22nd, 2026. Funding from this grant (#2026-14808) was set aside specifically to be used towards the management of a consulting firm for marketing objectives, signage, mobile application development, and branding.
DISCUSSION:
To initiate the first year of the five-year Strategic Trails Plan, Genesee County Purchasing Department released a request for proposals to identify a qualified firm to develop the Legacy Trails system's marketing, branding, and wayfinding design. The request generated significant interest, with 14 proposals submitted from firms across the country. Following a competitive review proce...
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