Elk Grove seeks consultant for $150,000 arts and creative economy strategy
Part of Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen's fledgling initiative to transform Elk Grove into a tourist destination.
The City of Elk Grove is advancing its plans to develop a comprehensive Arts and Creative Economy Strategy and is soliciting proposals from consultants to guide the effort.
The city's Office of Economic Development, operating under the Invest Elk Grove brand, released a request for proposals (RFP) today in partnership with the city's Arts & Creative Economy Commission. The strategy aims to showcase Elk Grove's cultural identity, support local artists and entrepreneurs, and position the arts as a central driver of economic growth, complementing Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen's fledgling tourism initiative.
According to the RFP, Elk Grove will allocate up to $150,000 for the project, which is anticipated to take approximately one year to complete.
The chosen consultant will be required to complete a wide range of tasks. These include identifying cultural assets throughout the city, ranging from local artists and creative businesses to festivals, public art, and community traditions. The consultant will also be responsible for assessing the state of Elk Grove's creative economy — including job potential, spending patterns, and tourism opportunities.
A significant portion of the work will focus on public engagement. The city is requiring inclusive outreach that involves artists, educators, cultural organizations, business leaders, elected officials, and residents, which is expected to include public workshops, roundtables with creative entrepreneurs, youth involvement through schools, and online surveys.
Deliverables will include a cultural asset map, a creative economy baseline report, an economic opportunities analysis, and a final adoption-ready strategy accompanied by an executive summary and presentation materials for the City Council.
Respondents have until October 23 to submit proposals. City staff expect to notify a finalist by October 29, pending approval of the contract by the City Council on November 12. Work could start as soon as November 17.
The project's cost is limited to $150,000, with proposals evaluated on qualifications, engagement plans, and implementation strategies, rather than solely on price.
