STAFF REPORT
City of Lancaster
CC 24
5/26/2026
TN
Date:May 26, 2026
To: Mayor Parris and City Council Members
From:Andrea Alexander, City Clerk
Subject:Professional Services Agreement with Tripepi Smith Recommendation:
1. Approve the Professional Services Agreement with Tripepi Smith for communications consulting, and appropriate an amount not to exceed $550,000 for needed services in fiscal year 2026-2027.
2. Appropriate additional funds in an amount not to exceed $275,000 to cover the period of January 2026 through June 2026 to Account No.101.15000.5710.
3. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee to execute the agreement and all necessary documents subject to City Attorney approval.
G.C. Section 84308: No
Fiscal Impact:
An additional amount not to exceed $275,000 is needed to cover the period of January 2026 through June 2026 to Account No.101.15000.5710. In addition, appropriation of an amount not to exceed $550,000 is the estimated budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Background:
Tripepi Smith & Associates has extensive knowledge and experience working with the City in regards to assisting with both digital communication and media outreach. Tripepi has supported the City in various communication efforts since 2019. Currently, the City has more demand for an increased volume of communications support from Tripepi.
The support needed includes assistance with recruitment efforts such as the Lancaster Police Department’s campaign for more officers. Tripepi will assist in these efforts by creating a recruitment landing page to drive more qualified and experienced officers to apply. 2 3
8 6
Also, the City is relying on Tripepi for various services such as:
Strategic Development, Research, Surveys, & Messaging; Social Media Management;
Graphic Design for digital, print and brand logo development; Animation and Motion Graphics;
The Lancaster Ambassador Program which is designed to allow community participants to learn more about Lancaster government functions and operations On October 10, 2024, the City conducted a Request for Proposals (RFP) 843 for general communications and marketing services. Subsequently, on January 14, 2025, the City Council approved the award of services to Tripepi Smith.
Upon the approval of this agreement the existing retainer-based agreement, which covered a three-year period, becomes void. Staff recommends that the City Council approve this agreement with the estimated cost for the period of January 2026 through June 2026 in an amount not to exceed $275,000, and an estimated cost not to exceed $550,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027.
Attachment:
Agreement for Professional Services