SUBJECT: Approving an ordinance amending Ordinance no. 2017-1008 to increase the maximum contract amount; approving and authorizing a First Amendment to a Contract for Professional Services between the City of Houston and Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership.
RECOMMENDATION: Approving an ordinance amending Ordinance no. 2017-1008 to increase the maximum contract amount; approving and authorizing a First Amendment to a Contract for Professional Services between the City of Houston and Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership.
SPECIFIC EXPLANATION:
Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP) is a non-profit organization founded in 1983 BAHEP has been under contract with the City since 1999 to provide services to enhance Houston’s tourism and economic development. Funding under the 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.
In collaboration with the City’s economic development team, 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.
In December 2017, City Council approved a three-year, $150,000 contract with BAHEP for a term beginning January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020 by ordinance No. 2017-1008. The Administration with support from Council District E, desires to expand the scope of service described in the 2017 agreement and increase the contract amount by $100,000 to include additional services listed below:
BAHEP will work in partnership with the Chief Development Office, the private industry sector and colleges to identify workforce needs, related training and development programs and resources to develop an implementation plan to help meet those needs. Specifically, BAHEP will work with the San Jacinto College District, University of Houston at Clear Lake, East Harris County Manufacturers Association, Bay Area Houston Advanced Technology Consortium (BayTech) and professional organizations to achieve its workforce development objectives. Additionally, BAHEP will advocate and work with state legislators to support continued funding of the Texas Aerospace Scholars (TAS) Program and the Technology Outreach Program (TOP), which are STEM focused workforce development programs.
BAHEP will advocate and work with state representatives and the Chief Development Office to amend legislation that authorizes the creation of a Spaceport Development Corporation to advance the development priorities of the Spaceport.
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Andy Icken, Chief Development Officer
Fiscal Note:
Funding for this item is included in FY2019 Budget. Therefore, no fiscal note is required as stated in the Financial Policy Ordinance No.2018-0390.