Arts Commission authorizes $374,000 contract with AECOM for two‑year strategic and business plan

The San Francisco Arts Commission voted Sept. 11 to authorize a contract with AECOM Technical Services LLC to develop an agency‑wide strategic and business plan for an amount not to exceed $374,000.

Director of Cultural Affairs Ralph Remington described the planning engagement as a two‑year effort: the first year will set strategic direction from a broad, organizational view, and the second will focus on implementation and operationalizing those priorities. "The duration of the plan is 2 years," Remington said during Commissioner Striker’s question about timing, and staff indicated work would begin immediately or in the following month.

The commission moved and seconded the contract authorization, then approved the motion by unanimous voice vote.

Why this matters

An agency‑wide strategic plan is intended to provide the Arts Commission and department staff with goals, accountability tools and a framework for measuring outcomes; the consultant selection followed an RFP process and the contract exceeded $100,000, which required full commission authorization.

What the record shows

- Motion to authorize the Director of Cultural Affairs to enter into an agreement with AECOM Technical Services LLC for an amount not to exceed $374,000; outcome: approved unanimously. - Director Remington described the two‑year scope: year one for strategic direction, year two for implementation and operationalization.

Next steps

Staff will finalize contract terms with AECOM and begin the planning process; the commission was briefed on duration and scope at the Sept. 11 meeting.