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Council re‑engages HDIS for downtown economic development consulting
Summary
After an RFP, council voted to award a draft contract to incumbent firm HDIS (transcribed variably) subject to city‑attorney review; staff said the other responder lacked local experience.
The governing body voted to approve a draft agreement with HDIS to provide economic development consulting services, subject to final review by the city attorney. Staff said HDIS (the incumbent consultant, transcribed also as HGIS/HDAIS in parts of the record) responded to an RFP along with one out‑of‑jurisdiction firm that staff found did not meet minimum local‑experience criteria.
City staff recommended awarding the contract to HDIS to maintain continuity in downtown economic development efforts. Councilmembers praised the firm's work on business retention and attraction; one member asked how the consultant will continue work with private property owners and the Park 170 property, and staff said incentives in leases can play a role in compensation for landing businesses. The motion to approve the draft agreement subject to city‑attorney review was moved, seconded and carried.
Staff noted if HDIS does not land businesses then compensation is tied to outcomes. The contract was described as budgeted and below the threshold for special procurement, and council agreed to vote at the meeting rather than at the next scheduled meeting to avoid a one‑month gap without consultant support.
