SUBJECT: Ordinance approving and authorizing an agreement for professional services between the City of Houston and the Bay Area Houston of Economic Partnership
RECOMMENDATION: Approve an ordinance authorizing an agreement for professional services between the City of Houston and the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership
SPECIFIC EXPLANATION:
Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP) is a non-profit organization founded in 1983 with the goal of expanding and diversifying the local economy. It is primarily funded by membership consisting of area governmental entities and the Clear Lake/Bay Area and Houston business community. BAHEP has been under contract with the City since 1999 to provide services to enhance Houston’s tourism and economic development. Funding under the proposed contract is to be provided by the City of Houston utilizing hotel occupancy tax proceeds retained by the City as part of its creation of the Houston First Corporation. The contract will be effective January 1, 2018 and extend for a three-year term.
In collaboration with the City’s economic development team, with Houston First Corporation, the Greater Houston Partnership Economic Development Division and the Houston First Corporation, BAHEP will seek to expand the existing tourism industry and continue targeted efforts to coordinate and assist projects such as the Bay Area Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau, development of new visitor attractions and international marketing of the City of Houston. BAHEP will also identify and promote programs aimed at developing Houston’s workforce through strategic partnerships with regional economic development agencies, educational institutions, and industry groups.
BAHEP will pursue the City’s targeted industry recruitment strategy, focusing on healthcare and educational facilities, technology companies, program integration, specialty chemical and high-end manufacturing business that are good targets for future expansion. BAHEP will work with the Houston Airport System to maximize development opportunities to promote and bring new, viable growth to Ellington Airport and will assist with preserving current activities on Ellington, including military and business activities.
BAHEP will focus on job retention and creation by striving to preserve funding levels for Johnson Space Center and its programs. BAHEP will nurture a technology outreach program by which a network of engineers, scientists and the business community create new business opportunities in the region. The Administration recommends approval of this three-year contract with BAHEP as described.
The contract requires compliance with the City’s “Pay or Play” ordinance regarding health benefits for employees of City contractors. In this case, the contractor provides health benefits to eligible employees in compliance with City policy.
MWBE:
The contract includes a 7% goal for MWBE participation. BAHEP has designated GB Tech, Inc. as the subcontractor $10,500.00
PAY OR PLAY
The proposed contract requires compliance with the City's 'Pay or Play' ordinance regarding health benefits for employees of City contractors. In this case, the contractor provides health benefits to eligible employees in compliance with City policy.
Fiscal Note:
Funding for this item is included in FY2018 budget. Therefore, no fiscal note is required as stated in the Financial Policy Ordinance No. 2014-1078.
_________________________________
Andy Icken, Chief Development Officer