Title
Authorization to Enter into Contract to Implement the Enhanced Municipal Services District with Downtown Phoenix Inc. (Ordinance S-46759)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a five-year contract (calendar years 2021-25) with Downtown Phoenix, Inc. (DPI) to implement the Downtown Enhanced Municipal Services District (EMSD).
Report
Summary
On Aug. 29, 1990, at the request of the downtown community, the City Council authorized the creation of an EMSD to provide greater services within the area generally bounded by 3rd Avenue and 7th Street, Fillmore to Harrison streets. These services are funded via an assessment on the properties within the district boundaries.
The City currently contracts with DPI, a nonprofit corporation, to implement the work program of the Downtown EMSD. The City previously contracted with Downtown Phoenix Partnership (DPP) from 1990 until the formation of DPI in 2015. DPI was formed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of downtown organizations and maintains a relationship with DPP as an affiliate. DPI has been providing services to the district since 2015, and the organization’s current contract with the City will expire on Dec. 31, 2020.
On an annual basis, the City Council approves the Downtown EMSD work plan and budget, as recommended by the DPP Board of Directors, which includes City representation. Services funded through an assessment on properties within the Downtown EMSD include:
- Downtown Ambassadors
- Event support
- Pedestrian way-finding
- Sidewalk sweeping
- Graffiti removal
- Business assistance
- Landscape maintenance
While the City Council authorizes the Downtown EMSD budget each year, the EMSD priorities, work plans and budgets are developed with guidance from DPP's volunteer Board of Directors. The City's current Downtown EMSD contract specifies that the DPP Board of Directors include a cross-section of downtown stakeholders, including property owners, tenants, merchants, cultural and nonprofit organizations, City and Maricopa County management, and elected officials. The new Downtown EMSD contract will include similar requirements for the DPP Board as well as other terms and conditions deemed necessary by City staff.
By contracting with DPI to implement the Downtown EMSD, the City can continue the positive momentum, streamlined coordination and communication that DPI has delivered for the benefit of the City and the downtown community.
Procurement Information
In compliance with Section I, Paragraph 6 of Administrative Regulation 3.10, this procurement is a Special Circumstance Without Competition. DPI was specifically created to serve the downtown area and provide these services.
Contract Term
The contract term will be for five years beginning on Jan. 1, 2021 through Dec. 31, 2025
Financial Impact
Property assessments fund the City's Downtown EMSD contract. City Council approves the Downtown EMSD budget, property assessments and the City’s contribution on an annual basis. Staff requests this City Council action prior to the start of each Downtown EMSD calendar year, with this process commencing in fall 2020.
Location
Council District(s): 7 and 8.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Deanna Jonovich and the Community and Economic Development Department.