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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Brian W. Caputo, Chief Operating Officer
DATE: July 16, 2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc., for the Provision of Strategic Planning Consulting Services
PURPOSE:
The Administration desires to develop a new strategic plan to establish strategic objectives for the city's direction for the next five to seven years and formulate supporting departmental objectives. We would like to engage a firm specializing in governmental strategic planning to support the strategic plan development process.
BACKGROUND:
The city has had strategic plans in various forms since at least 2007. A strategic plan is a high-level roadmap that defines an organization's long-term direction, key priorities, and measurable goals. With the installation of a new City Administration, we would like to undertake a deliberate, structured, and comprehensive strategic planning activity supported by a consultant having experience with other municipal governments to enrich our process.
DISCUSSION:
On February 24, 2026, the city released the attached request for proposals (RFP) to obtain the services of a qualified strategic planning consultant. Nineteen firms responded to the RFP by the March 31, 2026, deadline. An evaluation committee consisting of the following individuals reviewed the proposals.
>Jason Bauer, Director of Public Works/City Engineer
>Shannon Cameron, Chief of Staff
>Brian Caputo, Chief Operating Officer
>Alison Lindberg, Director of Sustainability
>Tony Martinez, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer
>Nicole Mullins, Chief Community Services Officer
>Stacey Peterson, Chief Financial Officer
>Nicholas Richard-Thompson, Deputy Chief of Staff
>Matt Thomas, Chief of Police
The evaluation committee initially assessed the firms based upon the following criteria:
1. Their Organization, Personnel, and Staffing
2. Their Qualifications and Experience
3. Proposed Project A...
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