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Economic Development Strategic Plan <br />February 3, 2015 <br />Page 2 <br />knowledge and familiarity of the local community and economic environment, the proposed <br />approach to plan development and experience in community outreach, staff recommended four <br />consultant firms to be interviewed. <br />Acting as the City's steering committee in the development of the EDSP, the City's Economic <br />Development Taskforce, comprised of 11 representatives from the local business community, <br />interviewed the four consulting firms at the December 8, 2014 Taskforce meeting. RSG received <br />the highest average score of 87. <br />A summary of the Taskforce ratings are below: <br />Consultant <br />Applied Development Economics <br />Average • 0® points <br />67 <br />HR &A <br />78 <br />Placeworks <br />79 <br />RSG <br />87 <br />Attached is a proposal from RSG which includes the scope of work to develop the EDSP. It is <br />anticipated that the EDSP process will take six months to complete with an additional two to three <br />months to prepare the document for the City Council. Staff will provide the Mayor and City <br />Council with periodic updates on the progress of the Plan. <br />Based on the ratings by the City's Economic Development Taskforce, it is recommended that the <br />City enter into an agreement with RSG to develop the new citywide economic development <br />strategic plan. <br />Upon approval of the agreement by City Council, City staff will schedule a kick -off meeting to <br />further define and enhance the Scope of Work for developing the EDSP. During this discussion, <br />a more detailed community outreach schedule will be established. <br />STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT <br />Approval of this item supports the City's efforts to meet Goal #3 - Economic Development, <br />Objective #1, (Implement a comprehensive Economic Development Strategy to ensure that <br />Santa Ana is a City with a vibrant business climate that is accessible, user - friendly, and <br />welcoming to all residents and visitors), Strategy A (complete a comprehensive Economic <br />Development strategy). <br />FISCAL IMPACT <br />Funds are budgeted and available in the Community Activities, Contract Services — Professional <br />Account (01105810- 62300). <br />25A -2 <br />