Kennedale EDC approves one-year consultant contract to shape EDC strategy

The Kennedale Economic Development Corporation voted to approve a one-year, labor-driven consulting contract with CP2/CPT consultants to assist the EDC with communications, goal setting and performance evaluation.

Speaker 7 recommended the board "move forward with the consultants" to develop a stronger website and communications platform and to run workshops with the EDC and the chamber to set a shared vision and measurable goals. The contract was budgeted at $100,000; Speaker 7 told the board staff expects actual spend to be below budget, roughly $75,000–$80,000, and said the work would likely start in December.

Board members asked specific questions about scope and deliverables. Speaker 4 sought clarity on whether the contract is time-and-materials or a fixed allocation of hours; Speaker 7 responded the contract is based on a 15-hour unit (described in discussion as 15 hours) and is structured month-to-month with no penalty for early termination. Speaker 4 also asked for metrics or deliverables the consultants should be measured against; Speaker 7 said the intent is to create a matrix and performance valuation after a workshop with the board.

Speaker 4 moved to approve the EDC consultation contract (described in the packet and presentation); Speaker 3 seconded the motion. The board approved the contract on a unanimous voice vote.

The approved work includes coordination with the chamber, a public-facing EDC website, and deliverables that will be shared with city council and the public. Staff said the agreement will be managed out of the EDC’s budget and will not require separate council action for initial execution. The board requested the consultants’ proposed deliverables and a project timeline be returned in a future meeting packet.