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 FY2021 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: Tom Crawford, Interim 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 FY2021 are budgeted within the approved budget under the City-wide Membership account in the amount of $75,000.00;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve a one-year contract in the amount of $75,00...
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