Economic Development Consultant Services

The Vendor is required to provide for professional services in the areas of strategic marketing, business attraction and retention, and identification and development of capital improvement projects.
- The goal of these services is to stimulate primary job creation, increase the City’s sales tax base, and enhance the overall economic vitality of the community.
- Provide business industry is anchored in its historic steel production and manufacturing roots, which have diversified into a regional hub for renewable energy, healthcare, and agriculture. Its culture is defined by a proud, working-class, multi-ethnic heritage, known for its resilience and vibrant community life centered on local traditions.
- Consultant Services:
•    Conducting market research and analysis to identify economic trends and opportunities.
•    Developing and implementing economic development strategies and plans.
•    Assisting in the attraction and retention of businesses and industries.
•    Facilitating public-private partnerships and collaborations.
•    Providing technical assistance and support to local businesses.
•    Identifying and securing funding sources for economic development projects.
•    Preparing reports, presentations, and other documentation related to economic development activities.
•    Engaging with community stakeholders to gather input and build consensus.
•    Additional economic development consulting requests as determined necessary by the City.
- Strategic Marketing and Advertising:
•    Examine the city’s current economic identity, identify strengths and weakness, and provide suggestions for modification or refinement to meet the city’s economic strategic goals.
•    Refine and promote the city’s economic identity to attract target industries and talent that align with city existing assets and workforce capacity.
•    Develop high-quality, data-driven marketing materials, including digital content, brochures, and presentations, to showcase the city’s assets.
•    Plan and execute strategic and integrated public relations, digital marketing, and advertising campaigns with regional and national outreach components to brand city as a desirable place to work and live.
•    Design and implement a targeted engagement plan for leading national and international site selection consultants, including arranging and executing professional recruitment trips and trade show presence to promote city business advantage.
- Business Recruitment and Prospect Facilitation:
•    Actively generate, qualify, and manage a pipeline of business prospects interested in relocating to, expanding, or retaining operations in city.
•    Conduct heavy sales -focused activity to fill the project lead funnel through proactive relationship-building through the region, state, and nation.
•    Identify and recruit target industries that align with the city’s economic goals and strategic plans.
•    Conduct detailed financial, operational, and job-creation analysis of interested prospects to ensure alignment with the city’s mandate for primary job creating capital improvement projects, sales tax generation, and community goals.
•    Provide expertise on developing and implementing effective incentive packages to attract new jobs.
•    Provide insight for the planning, design, and implementation phases of selected primary job capital improvement projects.
•    Serve as a liaison with the mayor’s office and other city departments and related entities to streamline processes and navigate local requirements from initial inquiry through project completion.

- Contract Period/Term: 1 year
- Questions/Inquires Deadline: January 22, 2026