Council refines scope for Provo economic development study; staff to prepare RFP

City staff presented a draft scope of work for a Provo economic development study and asked council for direction on goals, in‑house responsibilities and whether to hire a consultant. Cody Hill, the city’s vision director for economic development, said staff had circulated a proposed scope and sought council feedback so the final scope and deliverable meet the council’s expectations.

Several councilors, notably Jeff Whitlock, urged the study to prioritize a rigorous diagnostic that goes beyond surface description — including sectoral growth/decline, firm‑level dynamics, leading indicators and a clear narrative for Provo’s competitive advantages. Vice Chair Craig Christiansen and others emphasized the need for a short list of return‑on‑investment indicators (for example, impact on Area Median Income, taxable revenue or other concrete metrics) to guide eventual decisions and to define decision gates where council votes will be required.

Staff suggested preparing an RFP and using in‑house work to produce sufficient background so an outside consultant can begin efficiently. Council members favored a mixed approach: some in‑house analysis to inform an RFP, then a consultant to provide an outside perspective and deeper analysis. Staff said they will draft the RFP language and bring it back for council review before issuance.