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Council hears pitch from Richardson Brothers for economic-development consulting; questions about reporting and cost
Summary
Rob Richardson presented a proposal to serve as Edwardsville's economic development consultant at a package price that council characterized as $5,800 per month for roughly 14 hours per week; council asked for clarity on deliverables, reports and whether a formal study would still be needed.
Edwardsville City Council heard a presentation May 4 from Rob Richardson of Richardson Brothers Development LLC about a proposed contract to provide economic-development consulting for the city.
Richardson said his work focuses on making a city "fast, friendly and predictable" for developers and uses tools such as tax-increment financing and abatements when appropriate. He spoke about the need to understand existing projects and related debt, determine revenue gaps that impede development, and create a pragmatic strategy for recruitment and retention. Richardson said he has worked across the region and would coordinate with the metro-area EDC and Kansas Department of Commerce as needed.
Council members asked how often Richardson would report to the council and whether the contracted work would substitute for a larger paid study. Richardson said he planned regular communication with the city manager and would appear for projects in person as needed; he estimated that a data-driven study could take roughly 60 to 90 days for a full report, but that his work would allow the city to begin targeted outreach and problem-solving more quickly. The packet referenced a proposed monthly fee of $5,800 for about 14 hours per week of service; Richardson said that fee reflects an independent contractor model and that he would absorb taxes and some expenses within that amount.
Council asked for more detail about deliverables, cadence and how success would be measured. The transcript records discussion and questions but does not show a formal vote or contract approval during the meeting; council thanked Richardson for the presentation and said staff would follow up.
