Contract for Consultant to Help Economic Division with Strategic Plan Gets Green Light

The Economic Development and Technology Committee, known as ‘Edtech,’ unanimously approved a $176,920 contract with Streetsense CA LLC for strategic planning services Tuesday. The City’s Economic Development Division sought qualified consultants to assist in developing a strategic plan to guide the division’s vision-setting, priorities, programs and services.

“Going through this process can help us be more proactive rather than reactive. It can help us improve our communication, coordination and relationship with partners,” Teresa Garcia, Senior Project Manager at Economic Development Division told members of the Edtech committee on Tuesday. 

Garcia said with the economic instability brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, now is time to update the division’s 2012 strategic plan and plan for a resilient future.

“We weathered the economic shocks of the pandemic which as everyone knows has brought a massive change on how we work and how we do business and understand business challenges.”

“We need an update on how to move forward and be resilient in our local economy.”

Garcia also added that the strategic plan should be updated now as the pandemic brought an influx of federal and state resources available to leverage.

Garcia said through the strategy plan process, the division hopes to establish a strong vision for Pasadena’s economic future.

According to Garcia Streetsense CA LLC received the highest score among the 10 companies that sent proposals in response to the request for proposal.

The consultant will provide in depth market analyses and examinations of existing conditions, undervalued assets and complex community challenges, according to staff report. 

The consultant will also analyze the portfolio of city-owned real estate, including opportunity sites and the impact of city-owned space leased by Pasadena’s long standing non-profit community partners.

“I’m excited about this. I think it’s about time that we have a strategic plan update on our businesses,” committee chair and Councilmemebr Tyron Hampton.

The matter will go to the City Council on July 31.