AGENDA TITLE:
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Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with The Natelson Dale Group, Inc., a California Corporation, for the Preparation of an Economic Development Strategic Plan in an Amount not to exceed $100,000 (ED)
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MEETING DATE:
March 19, 2025
PREPARED BY:
Luis Aguilar, Economic Development Director
recommendation
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with The Natelson Dale Group, Inc., a California Corporation, for the Preparation of an Economic Development Strategic Plan in an Amount not to exceed $100,000.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In May 2023, the City Council adopted its Strategic Vision consisting of eight Strategic Imperatives that serve as focal points for City operations and allocating resources. One of these Strategic Imperatives is Economic Development with an overall goal of raising the median income of Lodi residents to the top 25% of California.
To achieve this goal, several action items were identified including the development of an Economic Development Strategic Plan. The City Council allocated $100,000 in General Fund dollars to develop the Economic Development Strategic Plan and directed staff to prepare and issue a Request for Proposals (RFP).
In February 2024, Council established the Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee and initiated recruitment of members to serve on the advisory board for a period of two years. The Committee is tasked with providing advice to the Council on the economic development components of the Downtown Specific Plan and the scope and implementation of the Economic Development Strategic Plan. The Committee subsequently formed a subcommittee to assist with the Economic Development Strategic Plan RFP process.
During the fall of 2024, staff met with the Committee to discuss the scope of work, review the draft RFP, and finalize the RFP timeline and scoring matrix. The RFP scope of work includes:
1. Conduct a SWOT analysis of the City’s competitive position and compute location quotients of Lodi’s key industries.
2. Compare the City’s current development project process and provide recommendations to City staff for improvement.
3. Conduct a general assessment of broadband and other current public infrastructure capabilities, as well as enhancement opportunities that enable innovation growth.
4. Identify innovative industries to target, as well as strategies for attraction.
5. Identify best practices for maintaining and enhancing the City’s current economic base.
6. Identify best practices for developing and enhancing strategic partnerships.
7. Develop strategies to enhance educational opportunities and job training.
8. Identify economic development performance tracking metrics and methods.
9. Identify priorities and resources necessary for implementing recommendations.
10. Facilitate meetings with City and Economic Development staff and stakeholders.
11. Provide recommendations for frequency of Strategic Plan updates.
The Economic Development Strategic Plan RFP was issued on November 18, 2024, with proposals due by December 20, 2024. The City received a total of fifteen proposals from the following firms:
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• BAE Urban Economics |
• Dalberg Advisors |
• The Natelson Dale Group |
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• Baetz Strategic Consulting |
• EcoNorthwest |
• Research Associates |
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• Baker Tilly |
• HdL Companies |
• Stone Creek Partners |
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• Chabin Concepts |
• Hickey Global |
• TIP Strategies |
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• Community Strong Strategies |
• Marketing Alliance |
• TPMA |
After an initial review by City staff, the proposals were provided to the RFP Subcommittee for review. Upon completion of its review, the RFP Subcommittee recommended its top proponents to the full Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee for consideration. The Ad Hoc Committee met on January 29, 2025, and concurred with the RFP Subcommittee’s recommendation. Interviews were conducted on February 10, 2025, with the following top six consultants:
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• BAE Urban Economics |
• Chabin Concepts |
• The Natelson Dale Group |
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• Baker Tilly |
• Hickey Global |
• TPMA |
Upon completion of the interviews, the RFP Subcommittee selected The Natelson Dale Group as its top firm based on the thoroughness of their proposal, approach in developing Lodi’s economic development strategy, and public engagement process. The final recommendation was made to the full Ad Hoc Committee on February 19, 2025, which concurred with the Subcommittee’s selection of The Natelson Dale Group.
The Natelson Dale Group is a national economic consulting firm that was established in 1974. They specialize in planning and implementation of strategies for local economic development and have extensive experience in the San Joaquin Valley and adjacent regions, including Modesto, Stockton, Fresno, Bakersfield, and San Joaquin County. In addition, they will collaborate with Economic Growth Strategies LLC and RRM Design Group as subconsultants in the development of Lodi’s Economic Development Strategic Plan.
As a result of the RFP process, staff and the Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee recommend that the Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with The Natelson Dale Group, Inc., a California Corporation, for the preparation of the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan in an amount not to exceed $100,000.
STRATEGIC VISION:
2A. Economic Development: Develop long-term economic development strategy.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total cost of the agreement is a not to exceed $100,000.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
General Fund Account No. 10010102.72450
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Luis Aguilar
Economic Development Director
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Scott R. Carney
City Manager