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Title:
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Metro District Community Organizing Consulting Services SOL-CED23-MDCS - Request for Award (Ordinance S-50656)
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Title
Metro District Community Organizing Consulting Services SOL-CED23-MDCS - Request for Award (Ordinance S-50656)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into contract with Gordon C. James Public Relations, Inc. (Consultant) for the delivery of community organizing services for the Metro District. Further request to authorize to enter into an agreement with Concord Wilshire Capital, LLC (Developer), or its designee, for cost sharing purposes, and authorization to receive and disburse funds related to this item. Additionally, request staff authority to enter into agreements as necessary to enable Consultant to establish the Metro District organization as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Further request to authorize the City Controller to disburse all fund related to this item and authorize the City Treasurer to accept funds associated with this request. The value of the Consultant's contract will not exceed $125,000.
Report
Summary
In 2021, an effort led by the 19 North Community Alliance created the Metro District Community Collaboration (MDCC). The MDCC consisted of businesses and property owners centered around the former Metrocenter Mall which closed in June 2020. The MDCC sought to brand and market the area and focus on building capacities to collaborate on public safety matters.
In 2022, the Council-approved 27th Avenue Corridor Community Safety and Crime Prevention Plan called for strengthening partnerships with groups such as the MDCC. Additionally, the Developer announced its intent to purchase the former mall. The City and Developer agreed to financially support the MDCC. A one-year consulting services contract was awarded to Community Alliance, LLC (Community Alliance) on May 25, 2022, with a commitment to competitively procure the work for a longer term.
Upon conclusion of the agreement with Community Alliance, an informal solicitation was issued and resulted in a recommendation to contract with the Consultant, which will continue to deliver services for the MDCC that include:
Enhance Public Safety - proactively engage the community to combat blight, litter, graffiti, trespassing and other conditions negatively impacting safety in the area.
Business Assistance - promote the general welfare of businesses in the area and work with stakeholders to raise awareness of businesses in the area through events and marketing efforts.
Building Relationships - serve as the conduit for connecting businesses and property owners with one another and with external agencies. The Consultant will serve as the focal point for connecting businesses and property owners with one another and with external agencies.
Delivery of these services by the Consultant will enhance the effectiveness of the Crime Prevention Plan and better position the area for future redevelopment by the Developer. Some of the achievements of the previous investment include a dedicated community office at 9610 N. Metro Parkway West, sign toppers branding the area, and the launch of a private security collaborative funded by area businesses and property owners. The Consultant will continue to build on these successes to make the MDCC an effective organization that creates a sense of place and advocates for the Metro District.
To support long term sustainability of the MDCC, the Consultant is also tasked with creating a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization as well as developing and executing a fundraising plan to make the non-profit financially self-sufficient without City support.
Procurement Information
The Metro District Community Organizing Consulting Services Informal Solicitation (SOL-CED23-MDCS) was issued on Sep. 1, 2023, and conducted in accordance with Administrative Regulation 3.10. Two proposals were received; one of which was deemed non-responsive. On Oct. 12, 2023, staff identified Consultant as the sole responsive proposer for this business opportunity.
Contract Term
The term of the contract is for one year, with two one-year renewal options.
Financial Impact
The value of the contract shall not exceed $125,000. Funds will be programmed in the Downtown Community Reinvestment Fund within the Community and Economic Development Department and the Developer will fund 50 percent of the Consultant’s total annual costs through a contribution paid directly to the City.
Location
The Metro District Community Collaboration focus area is bounded by Peoria Avenue to the north, Interstate 17 to the east, Dunlap Avenue to the south and 31st Avenue to the west.
Council District: 1
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager John Chan and the Community and Economic Development Department.