ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: June 24, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - PSVS TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Gary Hallen, Assistant City Manager
DATE: April 22, 2026
SUBJECT: Agreement with ResearchFDI, Inc. (not to exceed $205,000) for attracting and recruiting new business to the City of Bakersfield (All Wards).
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the Agreement.
BACKGROUND:
The Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP), adopted by Council on September 15, 2021, outlined a strategic framework to guide the City of Bakersfield’s economic development efforts, including a focus on business attraction, job creation, and targeted industry growth.
On October 3, 2025, the Economic and Community Development (ECD) staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified professionals to secure marketing, consulting, and recruitment services targeting commercial and industrial companies for the City of Bakersfield. This effort is intended to strengthen the City’s ability to proactively compete for new business investment in an increasingly competitive economic development landscape. While the City maintains internal economic development capabilities, additional specialized expertise is needed to expand outreach, enhance data- driven targeting of key industries, and increase the volume and quality of prospective business leads.
The City received seven proposals, which were evaluated based on qualifications and experience, understanding of the City’s economic development goals, proposed methodology, project approach, timeline, and cost. Following a comprehensive review process, ResearchFDI, Inc., was identified as the most qualified and aligned firm to provide these services.
ResearchFDI, Inc. specializes in data-driven economic development strategies, including business recruitment, industry targeting, site selection analysis, and lead generation. The firm will support the City’s efforts to attract new business and industrial investment, enhance competitiveness, and expand Bakersfield’s economic base. In addition, ResearchFDI will deliver key tools and resources to support these efforts, including a targeted Strategic Action Plan, investor messaging and attraction playbook, and a pipeline of qualified business prospects. This will also include direct outreach and facilitation of meetings with prospective companies, as well as training opportunities for City staff through in-person workshops and access to the ResearchFDI Academy to strengthen long-term internal capacity.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The contracted services provide was allocated in the FY 2025-26 budget to further activities identified in the Economic Development Strategic Plan. Entering into the contract with the vendor will augment the work of Economic Development due to limited staff that have skills and abilities in this area of expertise.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Economic Opportunity for All
Community Character & Quality of Life
Innovative and Efficient City Government
ATTACHMENTS:
Agreement