Council discussed two related strategic items: how to outsource or augment economic development capacity and whether to include a state legislative request for construction funding for a Mudder Road east–west connection.

On economic development, staff recommended starting with an RFQ to gather qualifications from firms and individuals who could provide developer negotiation expertise, P3 negotiation experience, job attraction and sector recruitment, and MAC (employment center) development support. Council members emphasized they wanted candidates with track records of industry recruitment and negotiation and requested that staff solicit a pool of qualified vendors for council review and final selection.

On transportation, the mayor proposed asking the state for construction funding for a Mudder Road connection to improve east–west access and hospital connectivity. Staff and the city’s lobbyist cautioned the council that state programs favor projects that are shovel‑ready (right-of-way and design complete) and that the city would likely have to reprioritize budget items, complete design and secure or extinguish rights‑of‑way rapidly should state funding be granted. Staff said construction could be expected to require significant local coordination around right‑of‑way and stormwater changes, and noted the quick‑take/eminent‑domain processes could take several months.

Council direction: staff should prepare an RFQ for economic development services and develop an initial plan and timeline for a potential legislative request for Mudder Road, including an estimate of design and right‑of‑way work required to be competitive for state funding; staff will consult with lobbyists and present a recommended approach and any necessary budget amendments.

Next steps: procurement will draft RFQ language and a solicitation schedule; city staff will consult the city’s lobbyist on how to frame a Mudder Road legislative ask and report back on required design/right‑of‑way milestones and likely fiscal impacts.