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Approve a contract in the amount of $100,000 with Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. to study the viability of eight key highway interchanges that have been preliminarily identified as potential opportunities for economic growth; Authorize the Director of Resource Management to execute the agreement and any subsequent amendments up to an aggregate fiscal year amount of $74,999
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X __
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X __
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommend that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve a contract in the amount $100,000 with Lisa Wise Consulting Inc. to study the viability of eight key highway interchanges that have been preliminarily identified as potential opportunities for economic growth; and
2. Authorize the Director of Resource Management to execute the agreement and any subsequent amendments up to an aggregate fiscal year amount of $74,999.
SUMMARY:
The Board held a Priority Setting Session on April 18, 2023 and identified a need to study Economic Development opportunities within the county (Priority E1-C). Staff incorporated these priorities into its proposed Department of Resource Management Planning Services Division 2024/25 Work Plan, which was presented to the Board on January 23, 2024. One of the high-priority tasks identified was to begin the 2028 updates to the General Plan, which includes a focus on the exploration of economic development opportunities within the county, with an emphasis on data collection and initial analysis to support these efforts. This interchange study supports that high-priority task.
Approval of this contract totaling $100,000 will provide for completion of a comprehensive study to explore the viability of eight key highway interchanges that have been preliminarily identified as potential opportunities for economic growth within the unincorporated areas of the county. The study will provide critical data on current infrastructure capacities and propose potential development strategies, including the consideration of necessary utilities and potential financing mechanisms. The goal is to enhance local economic development by creating a more effective and efficient use of land at strategic interchange locations, fostering job creation and improving the quality of life for Solano County residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The effort is funded through the County's general fund and is included in the Department’s FY2023/24 Working Budget. The costs associated with preparing this agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2023/24 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
Interchange Study
Solano County, strategically located between Sacramento and San Francisco, is intersected by several major highways, including I-80, I-505, I-680, SR-12, and SR-113. The County's General Plan primarily encourages commercial and residential development within its seven cities where municipal services can support growth; however, there are areas at the edges of the cities that are ultimately intended for development. Many of these areas are located at or around highway interchanges. Eight key highway interchanges have been preliminarily identified as potential opportunities for economic growth. Attachment B includes a set of maps outlining all eight key highway interchanges.
The consultant will be responsible for a detailed analysis of the identified interchanges to assess their potential for development and identify existing infrastructure challenges. They will explore viable financing options and evaluate the integration of necessary utilities to support potential commercial and residential spaces. The consultant will also develop strategic recommendations and draft policies that align with Solano County’s goals for sustainable economic development and efficient land use.
Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc.
Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. will deliver a comprehensive series of reports and strategic recommendations throughout the highway interchange study. The project is proposed to kick off in June 2024, beginning with a background report that encompasses land use analysis, infrastructure review, and a market assessment for each of the eight interchanges. The draft background report is scheduled for completion in late fall of 2024. The consultant will engage in a concurrent community outreach effort with a report back detailing insights and feedback from workshops and focus groups which will also be made available in late fall. The next phase of this effort involves drafting a Recommendations Report, which will outline optimal land uses, financing strategies, and potential shared services. The administrative draft of this report is expected to be completed this winter.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors may choose not to authorize the Director of Resource Management to execute the contract with Lisa Wise Consulting. However, this option is not recommended because the highway interchange study is deemed essential for exploring the viability of the eight key interchanges that have been preliminarily identified as potential hubs for economic growth. Choosing not to proceed with the study is inconsistent with the Board’s Priority E1-C to seek out economic development opportunities.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION