Title
Entertainment District Formation Consulting Services - Authorization to Issue Solicitation (Ordinance S-49918)
Description
Request City Council to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, 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.
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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, hotel development, and destination enhancement. In 2022, an update to the study was completed to incorporate the effects and changes of the COVID-19 pandemic to the industry. A key finding and recommendation of both the 2019 study and the 2022 update was the creation of an entertainment district, to generally surround PCC. An entertainment district would provide conventioneers, visitors, and residents a walkable, vibrant, safe, and navigable area that could include amenities such as 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 on 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 and Experience (0-300 points).
- Approach to Scope of Work (0-250 points).
- Proposer’s Qualifications and Experience (0-250 points).
- Fees (0-200 points).
Staff will return to 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.
Financial Impact
There is no impact to the General Fund as a result of this action.
Previous Council Action
The item was recommended for approval by the Economic Development and Equity Subcommittee at the June 13, 2023 meeting by a vote of 4-0.
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.