Title
Entertainment District Consulting Services Contract Award - RFP-CED23-EDCS
Description
Request the Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee recommend City Council authorization to contract with HR&A Advisors, Inc. for consulting services to assist in the identification, establishment, and activation of an entertainment district. The aggregate value of the contract will not exceed $529,000.
THIS ITEM IS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION.
Report
Summary
In 2019, Conventions, Sports & Leisure International 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 of 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 a 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.
In September 2023, staff issued a solicitation for consulting services to assist in the identification, establishment, and activation of an entertainment district. The scope of work will include:
- Project Management
- Viability Study
- Public Engagement and Visioning
- Market and Feasibility Analysis Report, including:
- District Boundary Map
- Implementation Plan
- Future growth opportunity analysis
- Governance Analysis and Strategic Recommendations
Contract Term
The term of the contract is for one year, with two one-year renewal options.
Procurement Information
RFP-CED23-EDCS, Entertainment Consulting Services, was issued on Sept. 19, 2023, and conducted in accordance with Administrative Regulation 3.10. Five proposals were received; all of which were deemed responsive. Staff recommends the proposal offered by HR&A Advisors, Inc. as the most responsive and responsible proposal.
Financial Impact
The aggregate value of the contract shall not exceed $529,000. There is no impact to the General Fund. Funds are available in the Downtown Community Reinvestment Fund.
Location
Council Districts: 7 & 8
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager John Chan and the Community and Economic Development Department.