Richmond Common Council members saw a new visual identity for the city during their July 7 meeting.
A new Richmond logo developed through a branding process features an arched “Richmond” reminiscent of a vintage iron bridge and a mark that suggests the arts, roses and historic architecture, according to a presentation by Erica Deutsch, director of client services, and Mollie Mytinger, design consultant, for Guide Studio.
The city contracted with the Cleveland, Ohio-based firm for $43,050 to develop the logo and branding plan.
Next steps in the process include an implementation planning workshop, brand style guide development, brand launch kit and complete brand manual, including management process and training.
The presentation also highlighted smaller variations that feature the star from bricks used throughout the city, a trumpet and a rose. The branding was shown on items such as a tote bag, mug, water bottle, shirt, door and city vehicle, as well as an outdoor sign featuring “art meets industry.”
Variations of the logo and icons are aimed to appeal to all ages, encourage college graduates to live here, pull people who exit Interstate 70 deeper into the city and provide cohesiveness for city departments.
During the development process, 944 people participated in surveys and stakeholder workshops were conducted. Results showed pride in the city’s parks and natural spaces, depot building, higher education presence, rich history, and arts and culture.
The branding aims to convey Richmond as a location with options, connectivity, convenience and community charm to the target audiences of existing residents, emerging professionals, small business owners and creatives, according to the presentation.
Budgeting webinar
Council member Justin Burkhardt took exception during the meeting to Mayor Ron Oler’s Facebook post that said he and other council members refused to attend a state webinar about 2026 budgeting. The post said Larry Parker and Anne Taylor were the only council members attending.
Burkhardt challenged Oler to provide evidence any council members refused to attend, and Oler said he would update the post to reflect that members simply did not attend.
Burkhardt noted that he has a job and that the webinar was recorded. Burkhardt questioned if there was a difference between watching the live webinar or the recording. Oler said he didn’t know.
Burkhardt asked Oler what message his Facebook posts and others in a private Facebook group provides to taxpayers.
“What kind of message is it sending to the public, taxpayers in which they hear these presentations about culture and they see you commenting, what will soon be redacted, about refusal of members of this council,” Burkhardt said, “and what does that say to everybody that is seeing this show unfold, Mr. Mayor?”
“I can’t comment about what other people think or say,” Oler said. “Nobody can.”
Council members Jerry Purcell and Jane Bumbalough said for the record that they had watched the webinar’s recording.
Budget update
Oler reported that budget meetings with department heads had begun. He said that the proposed budgets exceed initial state revenue estimates by about $3 million, but another estimate expected July 31 likely will reduce that gap to about $1.5 million.
“We’re still just dealing with super rough estimates,” Oler said.
Council is scheduled to meet as the Committee of the Whole from Aug. 25-27 to hear formal budget presentations.
A version of this article appeared in the July 16 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.