Arts Commission hires AECOM team to lead yearlong strategic and business planning process

The San Francisco Arts Commission on Dec. 6 opened a yearlong strategic and business planning effort led by AECOM Technical Services LLC and partners, the firm told commissioners during an introductory presentation.

Ralph Remington, the city’s director of cultural affairs, said the commission selected AECOM after a “rigorous” procurement and previewed the firm’s approach. "I think you're gonna be really impressed and really excited about what we're going to embark upon in this next year," he said.

Linda Chu, vice president with AECOM’s economics and advisory group, described the consultant team and scope. AECOM will partner with the Cultural Planning Group and InterEthnica, Chu said, and will carry out three main phases: due diligence and data gathering, broad stakeholder engagement and development of strategic priorities, then business planning and implementation guidance.

Sean Tapia, who will lead data analytics and equity components, said the project will include an equity analysis of grant data and other indices used to identify gaps in access and investment. "We wrapped up [a similar] project in Los Angeles and created a very unique arts equity index," he said, adding that similar analytics will be tailored to San Francisco.

Consultants said they expect to review grant data dating back five years — and possibly longer, if staff capacity allows — meet widely with agency staff, grantees and applicants, and return to the commission with emerging priorities. "You are part of the stakeholder community," Chu told commissioners, noting the commission would see interim updates and be engaged throughout the process.

Commissioners asked how the consultants would engage the general public versus internal stakeholders, how many years of data should be analyzed given COVID-era anomalies, and how the commission would receive interim reports. AECOM said the strategic plan would focus on the agency’s internal constellation (grantees, applicants, staff and partner agencies) while still including individual artists and listening sessions; strategic priorities are expected to emerge after the listening phase and be presented mid-process.

The consultants emphasized that the business-plan portion will address staffing, budgeting and evaluative systems to hold the agency accountable for implementation. The commission did not take action on policy during the presentation; the session functioned as an introductory briefing and question-and-answer exchange.