Kennedale EDC weighs outside market-analysis firm, plans pause of CP 2 contract

The Kennedale Economic Development Corporation on Feb. 3 discussed contracting an outside firm to produce a market analysis and a strategic plan it said will align EDC efforts with the city council's vision.

A board member who introduced the item said the firm has municipal clients and the capacity to identify which industries and businesses fit Kennedale's demographics, adding that a concise strategic plan would "help us know how to navigate as we go through the next several years." The board member estimated the combined market-analysis and strategic-plan work would cost "roughly about $15,000."

Board members asked how the proposed work would overlap with services from the existing contractor CP 2. The presenter said the new vendor focuses exclusively on strategic planning and market analysis for city governments and that the EDC intends to suspend the CP 2 contract while it completes the new analysis. "We will end the contract with CP 2 and suspend that contract," the presenter said, and suggested the EDC could later bring CP 2 back for implementation if appropriate.

Several members asked for an "exit interview" with CP 2 so the board can understand what CP 2 tried and where it ran into problems before the contract is paused. One board member pushed for the new company to present to the board and public at the March meeting so members can ask questions and confirm scope and deliverables. Meeting participants also said CP 2 had attended conferences on behalf of Kennedale and reported three restaurant leads, but that suitable local sites were not available.

Next steps: board members directed staff to arrange an exit briefing with CP 2, to invite the candidate firm to the March meeting for a presentation, and to return a proposed contract for review. No formal contract award was executed at the meeting.

Quotes used in this article are taken from speakers in the meeting transcript.