Title
Resolution to Approve a Contract with Ann Arbor SPARK for Economic Development Services ($80,000.00)
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.
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.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: Funding for the contract is in the FY2024 budget for $80,000.00.
Staff
Prepared by: Sara Higgins, Director of Operations
Reviewed by: Michelle Landis, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Ann Arbor SPARK is uniquely qualified and the best source to provide such economic development services to the City;
Whereas, The Ann Arbor SPARK complies with the requirements of the City’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage Ordinances;
Whereas, Funding for services for FY2024 are budgeted within the approved budget under the City-wide Membership account in the amount of $80,000.00;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve a one-year contract in the amount of $80,000.00 with Ann Arbor SPARK for business support services for the period of July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed 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 including execution of any changes or amendments that do not exceed the amounts authorized herein; and
RESOLVED, The City Administrator be directed to work with SPARK and, as appropriate, to develop improved metrics and reporting for local economic development investments.