Hey, there! Log in / Register

BRA to hire outside help to craft a zippier brand identity

BRA

The BRA plans to issue an RFP next week for a "strategic advisor" charged with helping the authority "in the development of an organizational identity and brand strategy" based on some reforms the authority has made over the past couple of years.

In many ways, the BRA's brand remains unchanged from its founding in the 1950s as a way for the city to condemn and tear down entire neighborhoods, BRA Director Brian Golden acknowledges.

But with several in-depth planning studies going on in Jamaica Plain, South Boston and Dudley Square, and newly reformed its document and property management policies, the authority now says it really does care about public input into crafting policies that can affect life in the city for decades, so it's time for a fundamental rethink on how it presents itself to the public and hire somebody to help craft "an identity, mission, and values for the organization," Golden and Mayor Walsh say. In a statement, Golden says:

We have taken a holistic approach to fixing troublesome issues by strengthening our policies, making more information available to the public, staffing up in areas that were under resourced, and taking a fresh approach to the way we work with communities. With substantive reforms fully underway, we now have an opportunity to address our brand, which in many ways hasn't been altered since our inception.

The mayor's office offers some specifics on the work ahead:

The project will be informed largely by feedback that has been received from community members and outside organizations about how to enhance the Boston Redevelopment Authority's operations and strengthen public trust around its core mission of planning and economic development. Once a firm is hired for the job, additional community outreach will be conducted to help craft the agency's new identity.

The scope of work for the RFP is being finalized this week, but officials expect it to address a range of issues including what defines the Boston Redevelopment Authority's organizational identity, how those values are communicated through its branding, and how to create opportunities for public feedback during the process. The strategic advisor will also be expected to provide assistance in the development of implementation strategies for any recommendations. The project's cost will be established during the selection process.

Neighborhoods: 
Topics: 
Free tagging: 


Ad:


Like the job UHub is doing? Consider a contribution. Thanks!

Comments

A big red circle with a straight diagonal line across it with the letters "BRA" behind it? This will of course be the logo.

up
Voting closed 0

how about abolishing it, and bringing it back under City control? Another thing the Mayor over promised. Still waiting for his plan to move out from city hall and reuse the space?? instead we are getting a Ferris wheel. Reforming the BRA, ISD and fixing zoning/building permits issues would be nice Mr. Mayor

up
Voting closed 0

Can't cut a ribbon on a zoning code.

up
Voting closed 0

BRA hearing.

up
Voting closed 0

Two legs better

up
Voting closed 0

of pulling all of the buzzwords out of Golden's statement. Here's what's left:

We have taken the public since our inception.

up
Voting closed 0

they should change their acronym so it isn't the name of underwear.

up
Voting closed 0

was he Charlie browns teacher back in the day.
and why do they need a separate bs firm.
they seem perfectly capable all on their own.

up
Voting closed 0

Maybe they should start by not screwing over Boston residents. Some developer is gonna get the Winthrop Garage for pennies on the dollar because the BRA is either corrupt or inept.
https://digboston.com/the-garage-job-a-boston-redevelopment-authority-st...

up
Voting closed 0

A BRA representative told the FinCom (The Financial Commission which is the watchdog on city financial issues) that the BRA intends to take the Winthrop Square garage parcel by Eminent Domain from the City.

Meanwhile the BRA is trying to extend its Urban Renewal powers explaining that they hardly ever use their Eminent Domain powers anymore. Perhaps just when they want 100 or 200 million of taxpayer money.

up
Voting closed 0

Don't worry the City Council will vote to stop that.

/just kidding

They'll buy whatever bullshit sob story the BRA tells them and rubber stamp it like they always do.

up
Voting closed 0

How about ABOLISHING the agency and saving us all the money?

up
Voting closed 0

Yes, that us what the mayor said when he was running for office. Guess what? They're still in business.

up
Voting closed 0

HAHAHAHAHAHA

says the guy who promised to 'dismantle' the BRA

up
Voting closed 0

You know what's a great way to rebrand? Actually change what you are doing!

up
Voting closed 0

Let's be honest, things have been a little tuff for them lately. The office on Commercial Street is looking a little dated. Let's throw em a bone. After all, they have been good to all the other political groups over the years. And little Byron needs a raise.

up
Voting closed 0

hasn't worked at Regan since 2014.

up
Voting closed 0

How about a public design competition like the T did for its ne map and the city is doing for the Northern Ave bridge. Itll save money, just give the winner a gift certificate to somewhere that donates it. Late night service? Lets see if private industry will pay for it!
Is there some reason that when its public spaces like the T or the bridge its belt tightening time and we cant afford to pay for it, just see what we get for free, but when Marty or Charlie or whatever clown is running things at the moment wants something, there's always money to spend.

up
Voting closed 0

Another study/plan...how much will this cost? And will taxpayers be footing the bill for this? I'm unclear where their budget comes from.

up
Voting closed 0

"The BRA: supporting hapless boobs since 1957"

You can send my consulting check c/o Universal Hub.

up
Voting closed 0

The BRA: transferring wealth from working class Boston taxpayers to rich suburban development moguls since 1957.

Seriously, just abolish the BRA already. Write your council member.

up
Voting closed 0

Call the B.R.A. what you will, it is still a travesty. Quite frankly, it is insulting to think that the mayor thinks the problem is "branding."

The city council seems poised to renew the B.R.A. charter with some minor operational changes, all of which means little or nothing to an agency that shows little, in any regard for the lives that they negatively impact.

Now we have a mayor who thinks the B.R.A.'s problem is its image and a city council that is set to keep alive for six more years.

Is it any wonder that there is a growing lack of confidence in a City government that seems to live in a world uninhabited that the rest of us.

up
Voting closed 0