CITY OF SAN MATEO
CITY OF SAN MATEO
Agenda Report
City Hall
330 W. 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
www.cityofsanmateo.org
Agenda Number: 8 Section Name: CONSENT CALENDAR Account Number: 10-1311 File ID: 26-11334 TO: City Council
FROM: Alex Khojikian, City Manager
PREPARED BY: City Manager's Office
MEETING DATE: June 15, 2026
SUBJECT:
Communications Support Services — Amendment
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Amendment No. 1 to the agreement with Jeanne Sullivan Billeci for communications services in the amount of $60,000 for a new agreement total of $135,000 and extend the term of the agreement through June 30, 2028; and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment in substantially the form presented.
BACKGROUND:
In recent years, prioritizing communications has become a greater focus for the City, with communications methods becoming more strategic over time. Over the last few years, that increased focus has been partially supported by outside consulting to support timely and impactful media relations, newsletter creation, informational campaigns, crisis communications, speechwriting and public messaging to be used in presentations, on the website, social media and in print. While the City has now employed a communications manager, the volume and complexity of the work continues to grow and would benefit from the continuation of additional capacity and specialized support to ensure timely, accurate and effective communication with the public.
Continued support would also allow more capacity for special project work, including communication of major transportation initiatives, marketing potentially revenue-enhancing parking availability and transparent communication around ongoing transportation safety initiatives and progress. Recent projects have illustrated the value of increased outreach and engagement, especially to reach diverse and historically underserved communities. This support would also allow capacity for expert oversight of communications projects to support the organization’s 12 distinct departments.
Jeanne Sullivan Billeci has more than 30 years of experience in strategic communications, media relations, crisis communications, executive coaching, and public information. She has lived and worked extensively on the San Francisco Peninsula and has provided communications support to the cities of San Mateo, Palo Alto, Redwood City, and Mountain View. Her work includes advising City Managers, department heads, elected officials and senior staff on communications campaigns, media interviews, public presentations, community engagement and sensitive public issues. Her background provides the City with added senior-level communications support, regional knowledge and the ability to communicate complex municipal issues clearly to the public.
An increase of $60,000 and extension of the term through June 30, 2028, is estimated to support these consultant services. Based on the above, staff recommends approval of Amendment 1 (Attachment 1) with Jeanne Sullivan Billeci, increasing the agreement amount by $60,000 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $135,000 and extension through June 30, 2028, in order to meet the City’s immediate volume and complexity of Citywide communications. To support the City's long-term communications needs, staff anticipate issuing a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) for communications services prior to the expiration of the agreement (June 2028).
CITY OF SAN MATEO
BUDGET IMPACT:
The professional services provided through this agreement will be absorbed by the communications and marketing budget allocated within the General Fund. No additional funds are needed at this time.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
This amendment is not a project subject to CEQA, because it is an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5).)
NOTICE PROVIDED
All meeting noticing requirements were met.
ATTACHMENTS
Att 1 – Amendment
Att 2 – Agreement
STAFF CONTACT
Kailey Fiscaro, Communications Manager
[email protected]
(650) 522-7005