The purpose of this Mayor and Council Communication (M&C) is to accept the completed Fort Worth Economic Development Strategic Plan (Plan) and refer the Plan to the City Manager and staff for further review and evaluation to develop strategies and policies for the implementation of the Plan. A copy of the Plan is available for review on the City's website. On September 20, 2016, City Council adopted Ordinance Nos. 22433-09-2016 and 22434-09-2016 (M&C G-18828) in order to reallocate the available budget for various City projects, including $350,000.00 for the Plan. The Request for Proposals (RFP) was advertised in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on Wednesdays between October 12, 2016 and November 2, 2016. Seventy-three vendors were solicited from the purchasing database system, twelve responses were received. The proposals were reviewed by an evaluation committee consisting of staff from the Planning and Development, Law, Neighborhood Services and Economic Development Departments. The evaluation factors included: methodology and technical proposal, qualifications, experience and references, project schedule/timing adherence to the terms and conditions of contract as well as financial stability and ability to obtain insurance and bonding. The proposal from TIP Strategies, Inc., was found to present the best value to the City. On January 24, 2017, the City Council authorized execution of a professional services contract with TIP Strategies, Inc., (M&C P-11994), to develop a strategic economic development plan for the Economic Development Department in a total amount up to $350,000.00. Efforts were undertaken by the Economic Development Department and TIP Strategies, Inc., to engage partners and stakeholders via roundtables, workshops, surveys and a town hall. In addition to individual or targeted discussions, over 250 participants engaged in the twelve roundtables; approximately 100 people were engaged in the six target area workshops; approximately 25 citizens participated in the Community Town Hall; 40 local and regional real estate professionals responded to a perceptions survey and the community stakeholder survey received 1,273 responses. Roundtables focused on or included Alliance Development & Employers, Major Employers, Real Estate Development, Downtown, Start-ups/Technology, Higher Education & Workforce, Healthcare, Aviation/Aerospace, Young Professionals, Infrastructure, Logistics & Transportation and Manufacturing. Focus Area Workshops included Evans & Rosedale, Stop Six, West Camp Bowie, Altamesa & McCart, Near Northside and East Lancaster.
The stakeholder input, along with significant research, provides the foundation for the Economic Development Strategic Plan, which includes Volume 1: Competitiveness, Volume 2: Opportunity 3: Strategy and a Technical Report: Guidance on Marketing, Program Areas & Site Selection.
Briefings were provided to the City Council by TIP Strategies, Inc., on April 11, 2017, June 20, 2017 and December 12, 2017.
The City Manager and staff will begin the process of further reviewing and evaluating the Plan to develop strategies and policies for its implementation.
This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity. |
