Economic Development Work Planning and Program Implementation

The City of Santa Barbara seeks qualified consulting firms to develop and implement a multi‑component economic‑development program. The work is divided into four inter‑related components: (A) a strategic alignment plan linking city initiatives with regional, state, and international industry‑attraction efforts; (B) work plans to expand economic opportunities at the Santa Barbara Airport and Waterfront; (C) ongoing support and engagement for ten designated business districts, including data dashboards and SWOT analyses; and (D) a proactive communications and marketing campaign to promote existing and prospective businesses. Proposers may bid on any or all components, must submit detailed work plans, qualifications, and cost proposals through PlanetBids, and be ready to start work on 1 Oct 2026. • Deliver strategic plan aligning city economic development with broader target‑industry initiatives. • Produce marketing and opportunity work plans for the airport and waterfront, including stakeholder engagement. • Provide district‑level economic profiling, SWOT analysis, data dashboards, and continuous business‑support services. • Design and manage a city‑wide economic‑communications campaign with branding, collateral, and website enhancements.