Title
Authorization to Contract with Visit Phoenix for Familiarization Tours and Economic Development Consulting Services (Ordinance S-50224)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to contract with the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau dba Visit Phoenix for the coordination of two familiarization tours for national site selectors and developers, and other economic development consulting services related to special citywide events, in an amount not to exceed $295,000. Funding is available in the Downtown Community Reinvestment Fund. Further request to authorize the City Controller to disburse funds under the terms of the agreement.
Report
Summary
The Community and Economic Development Department (CEDD) is seeking approval to enter into an agreement to partner with Visit Phoenix for the coordination of two familiarization tours, marketing and media consulting services, and an economic impact study for potentially hosting a Formula E race in Phoenix.
Visit Phoenix will coordinate familiarization tours for two city major events to be held in Phoenix in 2024: the NCAA Men's Final Four in March and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) All-Star Game in July. Staff proposes to implement tours with national commercial real estate executives, developers, consultants, site selectors and real estate investment trusts to showcase Phoenix. Economic development and location decisions by both real estate developers and companies is fiercely competitive. Investing in industry leader familiarization tours and related activities for major event attendees will assist in attracting global companies to Phoenix, bringing a wide variety of jobs that benefit all sectors of the population.
CEDD is also seeking authorization to work with Visit Phoenix to conduct a feasibility study to help determine if the City should seek an opportunity to host a Formula E race. The current market desire for electric vehicles (EV) is both a national and global phenomenon. Hosting the Formula E race would further identify Phoenix as a leader in creating clean technology jobs and to further grow an EV ecosystem in the city. This study will include analyzing the street infrastructure, costs, and benefits of hosting this type of major event, and other information as requested by the City to make an informed decision on pursuing a host opportunity for the race.
If approved, Visit Phoenix will also provide marketing and media consulting services to the City. To remain competitive in attracting new businesses and industries to Phoenix, CEDD works diligently with partners such as Visit Phoenix to market the city as a preferred location to do business. Investing in critical economic development efforts such as marketing and media consulting services allows Phoenix to remain competitive to host future major events, keeps the City on a global stage, and furthers CEDD’s focus to attract businesses and create quality job opportunities for Phoenix residents.
Procurement Information
In accordance with Administrative Regulation 3.10, standard competition was waived as a result of an approved Determination for Special Circumstances Without Competition. Visit Phoenix is uniquely qualified to assist in all these efforts as a non-profit organization that is Phoenix’s exclusive destination marketing organization, promoting Phoenix to a global audience, both in tourism and business through leisure visitors, group meetings, and popular sporting events. By partnering with Visit Phoenix for these services, the City can pivot quickly to capitalize on unique marketing and media opportunities tailored to bring investments and opportunities to Phoenix.
Contract Term
The contract will be for a term of one year with no extensions.
Financial Impact
The total cost for these services will not exceed $295,000. There will be no impact the General Fund, and funding is available in the Downtown Community Reinvestment Fund.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager John Chan and the Community and Economic Development Department.