Title
Entertainment District Formation Consulting Services - Authorization to Issue Solicitation
Description
This report requests the Economic Development and Equity Subcommittee recommend City Council approval to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a consultant to assist in the identification, establishment and activation of an entertainment district. There is no impact to the General Fund with this action.
THIS ITEM IS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION.
Report
Summary
In 2019, Conventions, Sports & Leisure International (CSL) completed a market study on behalf of the Phoenix Convention Center (PCC). The study included an analysis of the PCC's strategic advantages along with recommendations to enhance the PCC market capture through near and long-term space and site planning, convention hotel development, and destination enhancements. In 2022, an update to the study was completed to incorporate the effects and changes the COVID-19 pandemic had on the industry. A key finding and recommendation of both the 2019 study and the 2022 update was the creation of an entertainment district, generally surrounding PCC. An entertainment district would provide conventioneers, visitors, and residents a walkable, vibrant, safe and navigable area that could include hospitality amenities such as a density of restaurants, bars, attractions, street performers, public art, significant lighting and landscaping, scooter docks and electric vehicle shuttles.
With approval, staff will issue an RFP to obtain entertainment district formation consulting services. The procurement will be led by the Community and Economic Development Department with support from key stakeholder departments and City partners.
The scope of work will include:
- Identification of potential boundaries for the Entertainment District.
- Market and feasibility analysis.
- Evaluation of land use and zoning ordinances that impact the recommended area.
- Stakeholder engagement and feedback.
- Plan development, including location, Zoning/Code change recommendations, and an implementation strategy.
Each proposer and its primary consultant will be required to have five years' experience providing entertainment district formation consulting services. Prior to issuance, staff will complete research regarding best practices regarding the analysis and implementation of an entertainment district, and selection of a consultant.
Responsive proposals will be evaluated by a panel based on the following evaluation criteria:
- Primary Consultant’s Qualifications & Experience (0-300 points).
- Approach to Scope of Work (0-250 points).
- Proposer’s Qualifications & Experience (0-250 points).
- Fees (0-200 points).
Staff will return to the subcommittee and the full City Council for contract award approval. Following the contract award, staff will conduct outreach to stakeholders concerning the results of the study as well as recommended strategies that will form the implementation plan. Staff will then return to the City Council Subcommittee to provide an update and receive further direction to finalize the implementation plan.
Financial Impact
There is no impact to the General Fund as a result of this action.
Location
Council Districts: 7 and 8
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Interim Deputy City Manager John Chan and the Community and Economic Development Department.