Primary Department: Economic Equity and Opportunity
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Tiko Reynolds-Hausman
Secondary Department: Choose an item.
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Financial Authorization
Project ID (if applicable):
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable):
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable):
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable):
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable):
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request for approval to sponsor the African American Marketing Association Pulse Awards on August 28, 2026, at a supporting sponsorship level of $1,500.
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Background and Discussion:
The Pulse Awards is a professional recognition and networking event that celebrates excellence, innovation, and cultural impact in marketing, media, branding, and creative industries. Hosted by the African American Marketing Association (AAMA), the event brings together marketers, creatives, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, agencies, nonprofits, and community stakeholders to recognize outstanding campaigns and leadership shaping the future of business and culture.
The 2026 Pulse Awards will serve as the signature finale to the fifth annual Marketing For The Culture Summit and will take place on August 28, 2026, in Houston, Texas. The event will honor organizations and individuals whose work demonstrates innovation, strategic excellence, creativity, and measurable community impact across a variety of industries and sectors.
The awards program will include networking opportunities, industry recognition, and engagement with professionals and organizations focused on advancing inclusive economic growth, entrepreneurship, branding, digital innovation, and workforce development. Attendees will have access to thought leaders, subject matter experts, and collaborative opportunities that support professional advancement and business growth.
Sponsorship of this event aligns with the County’s commitment to workforce development, entrepreneurship, small business support, and inclusive economic opportunity. Participation will also provide visibility for County programs and services that support residents, entrepreneurs, creatives, and emerging business leaders throughout the region.
Expected Impact:
• Support Workforce and Professional Development: Provide attendees with opportunities to connect with industry leaders, strengthen professional networks, and gain exposure to emerging trends and best practices in marketing, branding, and business strategy.
• Promote Small Business and Entrepreneurial Growth: Highlight and support entrepreneurs, startups, creative professionals, and minority-owned businesses through increased visibility and access to business development opportunities.
• Increase Community and Industry Engagement: Strengthen collaboration among businesses, nonprofit organizations, public entities, and community leaders committed to economic growth and innovation.
• Advance Inclusive Economic Opportunity: Support initiatives that recognize and elevate diverse talent, leadership, and contributions within the creative, marketing, and business sectors.
Overall, sponsorship of the Pulse Awards is anticipated to contribute to long-term professional development, economic mobility, business connectivity, and community engagement throughout the Houston region.
Alternative Options:
The County would not participate in or support the event, resulting in a missed opportunity to engage with professionals, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders. Additionally, the Court may choose to provide partial sponsorship, limiting the level of participation, visibility, and resource sharing at the event.
County Strategic Plan Goal: 3. Make our economy more inclusive.
County Strategic Plan Objective: M: Ensure that Harris County remains the best place in the region to start and grow a business, with a focus on equitable economic growth.
Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1): Choose an item.
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): Choose an item.
Economy Initiative (Goal 3): J2: Increase the strength and size of MWBE prime vendors.
Health Initiative (Goal 4): Choose an item.
Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): Choose an item.
Housing Initiative (Goal 6): Choose an item.
Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan:
Prior Court Action (if any):
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Personnel (Fill out section only if requesting new Position Control Numbers (PCN)s) |
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County Attorney’s Office Legal Review (for Harris County Code Items only) |
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Anticipated Court Date: 6/11/2026
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): Click or tap to enter a date.
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or ARPA related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Tiko Reynolds-Hausman, Executive Director
Victoria Lara, Chief of Staff
Attachments (if applicable): Pulse Awards 2026 Sponsor Packet