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.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: Funding for the contract is in the FY2020 budget for $75,000.00.
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.
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, Strategic Planning Coordinator
Approved by: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City has had a long-standing relationship with Ann Arbor SPARK and its predecessor, the Washtenaw Development Council, to provide services related to the economic development of the area
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, Ann Arbor SPARK is uniquely qualified a...
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