Council heard presentation on proposed retail recruitment contract with Retail Strategies LLC; item set for consent

Mayor Pro Tem Terry Miller introduced an economic development item May 14 seeking authorization for the mayor to sign a three‑year agreement with Retail Strategies LLC for professional retail recruitment services at $50,000 per year (total $150,000). Chelsea Jackson turned the presentation over to Sarah Beth Stewart of Retail Strategies.

Stewart said the firm will spend the first 30 days studying consumer demographics and trade areas, the next 30 days assessing real‑estate assets, and by day 90 deliver a retail recruitment plan for council review. She outlined outreach activities (calling brokers, attending trade shows such as ICSC and regional conferences) and explained typical retailer timelines can range from nine months to several years depending on the brand.

Council members asked for a timeline and expressed support for the proposal; one member noted this engagement matches goals set during the council’s strategic planning. With no objections, councilmembers agreed to place the agreement on the consent agenda for the May 18 voting meeting.

The work session was discussion‑only; the contract authorization will return for formal approval at the voting meeting.