Board directs RFP for community engagement in county strategic plan

The Shasta County Board of Supervisors on March 25 directed staff to prepare and return an RFP for a consultant to carry out the community‑engagement phase of a county strategic plan.

Deputy County Executive Amber Bertain said the ad hoc committee (Supervisors Long and Plummer) reviewed strategic plans from several counties and recommended a consultant to ensure robust community participation, objectivity and measurable goals. Bertain noted examples from San Bernardino, San Mateo and Contra Costa, and offered a broad estimate of $150,000 for a full vendor‑led process; supervisors clarified the board’s motion limits the RFP to the community‑engagement component, which would be less expensive.

Supervisors debated hiring a third‑party consultant versus doing the work in‑house. Supporters said an outside vendor would improve objectivity and increase capacity for inclusive engagement; critics urged using existing staff and existing plan templates to save money. The board compromised to seek bids for community engagement only and to have Supervisors Plummer and Long participate in shaping the RFP and reviewing proposals.

Supervisor Plummer moved to direct staff to issue an RFP limited to community engagement; Supervisor Long seconded the motion. After public comment and additional clarifications on scope and evaluations, the board adopted the motion 5–0.

Next steps: Staff will present a draft RFP to the board and then return with contract recommendations for vendor selection. Supervisors said they expect to oversee vendor selection to ensure inclusivity and independence of the process.

Representative quote: “It would increase the capacity, which would in turn conserve staff time,” Amber Bertain said of hiring a consultant to lead community engagement.