Title
Resolution to Approve Amendment Number 1 to the Professional Services Agreement between Ann Arbor SPARK and the City of Ann Arbor for Economic Development Services ($24,500 Amendment, $99,500 Contract Total)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is Amendment 1 to the Professional Services Agreement between Ann Arbor SPARK and the City of Ann Arbor for Economic Development Services dated August 2, 2022 (“Amendment”). The Amendment adds to the scope of services to include development of a benchmarking study to identify quantitative and qualitative factors that drive the economic development process in ten chosen locations around the United States. For each of the ten communities selected, SPARK will review available public information, conduct interviews with key individuals such as the City Administrator, Economic Development Director, Regional Economic Development Organization (EDO) and other representatives to review their economic development atmosphere and operations. SPARK will develop a written report on each municipality that responds to specific questions and an analysis with recommendations for the City of Ann Arbor to consider. SPARK will provide a final report of its findings to the City by October 31, 2023
This report would be one among several that are being prepared as part of a review of the City’s economic development practices.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: Funding for the Amendment is available in the City Administrator’s approved Operations and Maintenance General Fund Budget.
Staff
Prepared by: Michelle Landis, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Reviewed by: John Fournier, Deputy City Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City has had a long-standing relationship with Ann Arbor SPARK to provide services related to the economic development of the area;
Whereas, The City is engaged in a wider review of its economic development practices including internal reviews by teams of city staff to improve workflow process, an Economic Development Corporation led engagement with stakeholders and customers to learn their experiences and opportunities for improvement, and an analysis of prospective changes to improve the institution’s approach to economic development generally;
Whereas, The City would benefit from a study by SPARK to gather information on best practices for economic development of other similarly situated municipalities, which may be applicable to and implemented by the City;
Whereas, Ann Arbor SPARK complies with the requirements of the City’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage Ordinances; and
Whereas, Funding for the additional services are available in the City Administrator’s approved Operations and Maintenance General Fund Budget;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve Amendment 1 to the Professional Services Agreement between Ann Arbor SPARK and the City of Ann Arbor for Economic Development Services dated August 2, 2022;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute the Amendment after approval as to substance by the City Administrator and approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take all necessary actions to implement this resolution.