Title
Resolution to Approve a Contract with Ann Arbor SPARK for Economic Development Services ($75,000.00)
Memorandum
Attached for your consideration is a resolution to approve a contract with Ann Arbor SPARK. SPARK will conduct economic development activities, helping the City make progress on City Council’s economic health priority area.
SPARK attracts new businesses, specifically technology companies. By providing continuous communications mechanisms between higher education, government, and the private and non-profit sectors, SPARK addresses the City and region’s economic development needs and concerns.
Although SPARK has a regional mission, the contract specifies that services will be provided to the City, with specific deliverables. The deliverables are the attraction and retention of companies that add or maintain taxable value and add or retain jobs. Specific deliverables also include supporting the outcomes from City Council’s Economic Collaborative Task Force.
Funding for the contract is in the FY2015 budget for $75,000.00.
Washtenaw Development Council began providing services to the City in 1982. In 2006, Washtenaw Development Council and Ann Arbor SPARK consolidated creating one unified organization. The merger of the two organizations supports the region’s mission for economic growth for all communities in Washtenaw County.
Staff
Prepared by: Sara Higgins, Assistant to the City Administrator
Approved by: Steven D. Powers, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City has had a long-standing relationship with the Washtenaw Development Council since 1982 to provide services related to the economic development of the area;
Whereas, Washtenaw Development Council and Ann Arbor SPARK officially consolidated the two organizations in July 2006 creating one unified organization;
Whereas, The merger of the two organizations supports the region’s mission for economic growth and represents all communities in Washtenaw County;
Whereas, The services of Ann Arbor SPARK focus on building our innovation-focused community through continual proactive support of entrepreneurs, regional businesses, university tech transfer office, and networking organizations;
Whereas, The Ann Arbor SPARK received Human Rights approval May 23, 2014 and complies with the provisions of the City’s Living Wage Ordinance;
Whereas, Funding for services for FY2015 are budgeted within the approved budget under the City -wide Membership account in the amount of $75,000.00; and
Whereas: Washtenaw County has developed an Act 88 Committee to improve reporting and transparency for economic development funds;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve a one year contract in the amount of $75,000.00 with Ann Arbor SPARK for business support services for the period of July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the contract after approval as to substance by the City Administrator and approval as to form by the City Attorney;
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take all necessary actions to implement this resolution; and
RESOLVED, The City Administrator is directed to work with SPARK and, as appropriate, the Washtenaw County Act 88 Committee, to develop improved metrics and reporting for economic development investments.
As Amended by Ann Arbor City Council on September 2, 2014