Title
Authorization to Amend the Intergovernmental Agreement with Arizona State University for the Development of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programs in Downtown Phoenix (Ordinance S-49852)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to amend the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Arizona State University (ASU), to extend and modify certain business terms, for the development of entrepreneurship and innovation programs in downtown Phoenix. There is no impact to the General Fund as a result of this action.
Report
Summary
On Oct. 18, 2017, City Council authorized an IGA with ASU (Contract 146961) for the development of programs designed to assist Phoenix community-based entrepreneurs with launching, growing and scaling their ventures, and commercializing technologies, in downtown Phoenix. The ASU programs will also provide the opportunity to enhance learning environments, offering students a location to learn the practical application of coursework while providing the entrepreneur, hobbyist, inventor, and small-business community with access to the tools, services and physical space needed for startup business development. Services available to assist startup businesses will include hands-on instruction, mentorship, and business services such as legal, marketing and operational services. The programs will increase opportunity for connectivity and collaboration, and will leverage existing resources and clusters of active entrepreneurs. Additionally, the programs will increase intensity and attention, by highlighting downtown Phoenix's assets, enhance the reputation and visibility of Arizona as a leading state to support startups as well as development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Due to COVID-19, the program planning and implementation efforts were halted. At the end of 2022, ASU began to re-imagine what these programs may look like moving forward, considering the change in the downtown landscape and programmatic needs post-COVID. This amendment will replace existing timeline and site requirements as follows:
- The term of the agreement shall be extended for three years.
- ASU and the City shall work together to identify a mutually agreeable site(s) for program implementation.
Financial Impact
There is no impact to the General Fund as a result of this action.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Downtown, Aviation, Economy and Innovation Subcommittee recommended approval of this item on Oct. 4, 2017.
City Council approved IGA 146961 (Ordinance S-44006) on Oct. 18, 2017.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Interim Deputy City Manager John Chan and the Community and Economic Development Department.