Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Professional Services Agreement with RSG Solutions Incorporated dba RSG Inc. to Develop the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan.
End
From: Christine Cordon, City Manager
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Adolfo Ozaeta, Assistant City Manager; and Caroline Velarde, Economic Development Manager
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
A. Approve the professional services agreement with RSG Solutions Incorporated dba RSG Inc. to develop the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan in an amount not to exceed $137,760; and
B. Authorize the City Manager or her designee to execute the subject professional services agreement on the City’s behalf.
BACKGROUND
On April 28, 2025, the City Council held a strategic planning workshop to develop the City’s second three-year strategic plan and identify priorities for the City. Strategic Plan Goal #1 – Achieve Financial Stability includes an objective to develop and deliver successful economic development initiatives to build a financially prosperous community through outreach with businesses, partnering with the Chamber of Commerce, and the creation of an Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP) to guide the City’s efforts.
On June 25, 2025, staff presented an update to the City Council on recent economic development activities. This included an overview of the Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the City to develop an EDSP, as well as discussion on the newly created Economic Development Manager position. The Economic Development Manager is responsible for the daily oversight of economic development operations and leads key initiatives under the continued guidance of the City Manager and Assistant City Manager. This includes working closely with a consultant to develop the City’s first EDSP and implementing its recommendations and strategies, while also enhancing business outreach and engagement and fostering relationships with developers and the broader business community.
Importance of an Economic Development Strategic Plan
The EDSP will serve as a strategic roadmap for staff, providing clear guidance on implementing solutions and recommendations that support the City’s long-term goal of achieving financial stability through a strong economy. It will outline strategies to promote quality development, encourage job creation, strengthen the local tax base, and enhance the overall quality of life for the community. During the June 25, 2025 update to the City Council, staff emphasized these and other key benefits, reinforcing the importance of an EDSP. The plan will help ensure that the City’s economic development efforts are aligned with its broader goals of improving Westminster’s business environment and fostering stronger partnerships with the business community.
Consultant Evaluation and Selection
In response to the RFP, staff received three proposals. Each had estimated costs ranging from $120,000 to $170,000, depending on the level of community outreach involved. Proposed timelines for completion varied between four and nine months.
In evaluating the proposals, staff considered the following criteria:
• Understanding of Westminster’s distinct business environment and broader community.
• Relevant qualifications and experience in developing EDSPs for culturally diverse populations.
• Each firm’s public outreach and engagement approach, especially in relation to the local business community.
RSG Solutions Incorporated
Based on a thorough review of the proposals and interview of the top candidate, staff identified RSG Solutions Incorporated as the most qualified consultant for the development of the EDSP.
RSG has a strong understanding of the City’s objective to create a comprehensive EDSP that advances the City’s long-term goal of financial stability by strengthening its economic foundation. Founded in 1979, RSG brings over 35 years of experience in providing economic development services including the creation of strategic plans for public agencies. RSG’s proposal outlines the firm’s qualifications, approach, work plan, timeline, and fees for the project.
To develop the EDSP, RSG will complete the following tasks as detailed in the proposal:
• Task 1: Economic and Demographic Analysis
• Task 2: Stakeholder and Community Engagement
• Task 3: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Analysis
• Task 4: Strategic Goal Setting
• Task 5: Business Engagement Plan
• Task 6: Implementation Plan and Performance Metrics
The proposal also includes a detailed project budget and fee schedule, totaling $137,760. This cost is reflected in the Professional Services Agreement (Attachment 1). RSG anticipates completing the project within six to nine months and will present the final EDSP to the City Council upon completion.
The development of the EDSP will be a collaborative effort between staff and RSG, with a strong focus on community outreach. The final EDSP will support the City’s economic development initiatives by providing actionable, measurable goals aligned with City priorities, along with implementation tools to strengthen business attraction, retention, and support for small businesses.
It is important to note that RSG has partnered with the City on various initiatives over the past 20 years, including a variety of real estate, economic development, and affordable housing projects. Past work includes compliance monitoring of affordable housing projects, administration of the City’s 2020 Small Business Grant Program, and involvement in City-private sector real estate ventures.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for development of the City’s EDSP is budgeted in the City’s Economic Development – Contractual Services account (Account No. 11501-43090).
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
Approval of the PSA with RSG will initiate the development of the City’s EDSP, which supports Strategic Plan Goal #1 – Achieve Financial Stability. RSG will work closely with staff to develop a strategic plan with implementable economic development and business support initiatives. The EDSP will provide a clear framework to guide future economic development efforts, aligning them with the City’s long-term financial goals and community priorities.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Professional Services Agreement with RSG Solutions
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager