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City weighs Retail Coach and Placer AI contracts for retail recruitment and visitor data
Summary
Staff presented two proposals — Retail Coach (retail recruitment and marketing) and Placer AI (location/visitation data) — recommending a one-year Placer AI contract at $15,500 and a Retail Coach engagement at $37,000 plus up to $2,500 expenses; council discussed using both services to support retail recruitment and downtown activity.
City economic-development staff presented two proposals to the council intended to help recruit retail, support tourism and provide data for local businesses. Director Hall said staff has held multiple meetings with both Retail Coach and Placer AI and described complementary services: Retail Coach focuses on retail recruitment and developer contacts while Placer AI provides location and visitation analytics.
Director Hall said a one-year contract with Placer AI would be $15,500. Retail Coach’s one-year engagement was presented at $37,000, payable in three installments, with additional expenses not to exceed $2,500; staff described a potential second-year extension at $25,000. The city is currently under contract with NextSite, which expires next month, so staff framed the proposals as replacements or supplements.
Council members and staff discussed how the two firms might be used together to attract retailers to both the north end of town and downtown corridors. Commissioner comments urged staying “front and center” with vendors to ensure the city receives attention after contracting.
No formal contract award vote was recorded at the meeting; staff said they would bring the appropriate contract documents back for formal action when ready.
