The Bellaire Culture and Arts Board is moving to the next phase of its city‑wide branding effort. On September 21, Board Chair Gay Mayeux and member Kristi Coffey displayed two polished logo concepts to City Council, which unanimously approved the designs and opened a 30‑day public comment period ending October 21.

Why a new logo?

In May, Bellaire officials adopted a strategic plan that called for a fresh city logo and new entryway markers to enhance the community’s visual identity. The Arts Board, originally tasked with exploring marker ideas, discovered a broader need for a cohesive municipal brand that reflects Bellaire’s unique character.

Community feedback so far

During the September 21 presentation, Mayeux and Coffey summarized input gathered from 107 survey responses. Residents expressed a strong desire to see local symbols such as live oaks, green space, homes, families, the Bellaire Water Tower and the historic trolley incorporated into the design. Some respondents raised concerns about project costs and the appearance of the artwork, noting that a few concepts looked unfinished or AI‑generated. A recurring suggestion was to include the word “Texas” on the revised logo.

Coffey highlighted that the trolley was the most discussed element. While many locals appreciate its historical significance, they also want it combined with other neighborhood features that tell a fuller Bellaire story.

Design process and funding

After the initial round of feedback, the Arts Board worked with professional designers to create a brief that balanced community wishes with practical requirements for signage, vehicles, embroidery and official documents. The brief was posted on the creative platform 99designs in August, drawing more than 300 submissions from designers worldwide. The contest cost under $1,900, funded by proceeds from the board’s local cookbook and arts‑festival fundraisers.

“None of the money came out of taxpayer funds,” Coffey told council members, emphasizing the board’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and community involvement.The City Council also authorized up to $25,000 in the FY 2026‑27 budget for professional design and branding services. Most of that amount will support a comprehensive municipal brand standards guide, ensuring consistent use of the final logo across departments, vendors and partners.

How to participate

Residents can review the two concepts—one featuring the trolley alone and another placing the trolley within a Bellaire‑inspired setting—through the city’s online submission page. The public comment period runs until October 21, giving neighbors ample time to share preferences and suggestions.

After the comment window closes, the Arts Board will evaluate the feedback against functional criteria and present its findings and a final recommendation to City Council. No final logo has been adopted yet, and existing city assets will remain unchanged for the time being.

What’s next?

The logo project is part of Bellaire’s broader beautification and placemaking initiative. By involving residents early, the Arts Board hopes to create a symbol that not only looks good on a letterhead but also resonates with families, faith‑based groups and longtime community members who cherish the city’s heritage.

Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.