City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: October 6, 2026
From: Brian Saeki, City Administrator
Department: City Administration
Submitted by: Diana Figueroa, Communications and Public Information Manager Subject
Services Agreement with Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc. for Strategic Marketing and Communications
Recommendation
Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc., in substantially the same form as submitted, for strategic marketing and communications for a total amount not-to-exceed $150,000, for a one-year term (with an option to extend the agreement for two additional one-year terms).
Background
The City requires the partnership of a qualified firm to provide strategic marketing and communications support and crisis management services for the City. Staff will leverage the firm’s extensive experience in the areas of strategic tactics for brand-consistent messaging, planning and management of content for various forms of media platforms, optimization of communication tools and methods, proactive creation of positive news coverage for the City, production of creative promotional materials, and crisis communication services when necessary.
Under the direction of the City Administrator and the Communications and Public Information Manager, the firm will support efforts to effectively disseminate useful information to Vernon stakeholders and community members, prospective residents and businesses, and policy makers.
Pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code Sections 3.32.080 and 3.32.130 respectively, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued on June 10, 2026 via Planet Bids, an online platform designed to reach a multitude of prospective vendors, and was also emailed directly to a total of six organizations with responses due by June 30, 2026. The proposed scope of services within the RFP was designed to target the specific deliverables required to meet the City’s communication needs. A total of six proposals were received, with five submitted by the deadline and deemed responsive to the RFP. Subsequently, a panel comprised of internal staff from various departments conducted a comprehensive, fair, and impartial evaluation of the proposals in accordance with the specifications set forth within the RFP to determine the firm best suited to provide strategic marketing and communications support services.
After thorough review, Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc. (Tripepi) has been selected to perform the necessary work based on a combination of demonstrated competence, professional qualifications, and cost. Tripepi has extensive experience with strategic messaging, brand optimization, media relations, crisis communications, has worked with other municipalities (particularly those among the Gateway Cities), and expressed a clear understanding of the City’s needs. Tripepi’s proposal detailed relevant deliverables and proposed a reasonable cost structure to enable efficient coverage across multiple service areas. Tripepi is well-equipped to assume the role necessary to address the scope of services identified in the City’s RFP.
Some highlights of the proposed Services Agreement with Tripepi are as follows:
• One-year term to assess cost alignment with budget and City goals, and an option to extend agreement for two additional one-year terms
• Ability to expand and contract services as needed
• Broad range of service offerings provides ample coverage and allows the City to address various priorities
• Hybrid cost structure that offers flexibility – a retainer for regular, routine work and room to accommodate individual projects or assignments on an as-needed-basis • Robust full-service firm allows for efficient, expedient turnaround on deliverables • Team of experts with access to partner entities that will extend media reach and support Vernon’s goal to strengthen credibility and elevate the City’s brand and reputation It is recommended that City Council approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a services agreement with Tripepi for a one-year term. Pursuant to VMC Section 3.32.030(A), City Council approval is required for the proposed agreement, as the total value of the contract exceeds $100,000.
The Services Agreement with Tripepi has been reviewed and approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 1: Strengthen City Credibility and Partnerships
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact is not-to-exceed $150,000. With the integration of the new firm’s services, staff anticipate using less than budgeted for its existing contract for strategic marketing and rebranding. Sufficient funds are available in General Fund, City Administration Department, Professional Services - Other Account No. 011-010-105-529215 for the current fiscal year and will be budgeted in subsequent years if extended for any additional terms.
Attachments
1. Services Agreement with Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc.