TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Paulina Martinez, Director of Economic Development
SUBJECT:
title
Award of Professional Services Agreement for the Tourism Study & Market Assessment Hunden Partners in the Amount of $69,350
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BACKGROUND:
On June 4th, 2026, the Economic Development Division issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified consulting firms to complete a comprehensive Tourism Market Assessment and Strategic Development Study for the City of Joliet. The purpose of the study is to evaluate Joliet’s current tourism landscape, identify opportunities for growth, and develop an actionable tourism development strategy that strengthens Joliet’s position as a premier regional destination over the next five to ten years.
The Tourism Study & Market Assessment is intended to provide the City with a comprehensive understanding of its tourism assets, visitor markets, competitive position, and opportunities for future development. The study will identify market opportunities, destination development priorities, investment strategies, and implementation actions that support long-term tourism growth and community goals.
The RFP’s scope of work includes:
• Assessment of tourism assets, visitor experiences, and market opportunities.
• Analysis of visitor demand, target markets, and visitor origin markets.
• Competitive analysis of peer and aspirational destinations.
• Development of a long-term tourism development strategy and strategic roadmap.
• Identification and prioritization of tourism development opportunities and investment strategies.
• Economic and community impact assessment.
• Preliminary financial framework and implementation recommendations.
• Development of a Tourism Asset Inventory, Market Assessment, Destination Positioning and Target Market Strategy, and Performance Measurement Framework.
On June 30, 2026, staff received eight submissions in response to the RFP. Following a review and evaluation of the proposals based on the established criteria, staff selected Hunden Partners as the preferred consultant to complete the Tourism Study & Market Assessment. In its RFP response, Hunden Partners proposed the cost of $69,350 for the work.
There are sufficient funds under the professional services line item in the Economic Development Budget to cover the cost of this study (ORG: 02038000 OBJ: 523300).
On September 23, 2026, the Land Use & Economic Development Committee recommended City Council approval.
CONCLUSION:
The Tourism Study & Market Assessment will provide the City with a strategic framework to evaluate its tourism assets, understand visitor markets, identify and prioritize development opportunities, and guide future tourism investments. The study will provide actionable recommendations and an implementation roadmap to support tourism growth, strengthen Joliet’s regional competitiveness, and generate long-term economic and community benefits.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that an Award of Professional Services Agreement for the City of Joliet Tourism Study & Market Assessment to Hunden Partners in the amount of $69,350.00 be approved by the City Council.
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