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Emeryville council approves $97,500 contract for art center capital fundraising work
Summary
Council authorized a professional services contract to retain a capital fundraising consultant (CCS) to develop a case for support and fundraising strategy for the proposed Art Center project; staff said the work will run about four months and run concurrently with operating-model work.
The Emeryville City Council voted unanimously to authorize a professional services contract to retain a capital fundraising consultant for the city’s long‑running Art Center project.
Community Development staff described the site as an approximately 30,000‑square‑foot building behind City Hall that has been the subject of planning and prior developer negotiations dating to 2006. A 2024 feasibility study showed new construction would give the city more flexibility than adaptive reuse while retaining some architectural heritage; council direction favored new construction but asked staff to prioritize community‑responsive design and fundraising planning.
Staff reissued a request for qualifications after receiving only one initial response and ultimately shortlisted two firms. The advisory group and staff recommended awarding the contract to CCS. Finance and planning staff said the CCS scope includes community and stakeholder interviews, surveys, a case for support and a work plan to inform a capital campaign. The not‑to‑exceed contract amount is $97,500, and staff expect a deliverable timeline of roughly four months.
"They will first learn everything they can about our community, about the project, and really immerse themselves in what we're trying to accomplish here," Community Development Director Chadrick Smalley said. Staff said they will coordinate the fundraising strategy with parallel work on an operating‑model structure for a nonprofit operator.
Council members expressed support and asked staff to include protections to preserve the project's mission over time and to consider governance structures that ensure stability should funding or leadership change. Consultants from Artist Love and Jean Johnstone Consulting, who have been assisting staff, will continue work on operating‑model recommendations while the fundraising consultant conducts outreach and testing.
The contract authorization directs staff to work with CCS on the campaign plan and to return to council with the consultant's findings and recommendations.
