The City of Pittsburg is considering staff’s recommendation to continue its long‑running partnership with Pittsburg State University’s Kelce College of Business for economic research services. The proposal is for a $35,000, one‑year investment to fund quarterly Pittsburg Micropolitan Area Economic Reports, an annual economic profile, maintenance of an economic data website, and access to IMPLAN impact‑analysis tools that support housing and economic development work. This item is on the June 9, 2026 commission consent agenda, and staff explicitly recommends approval of the requested funding. While the primary research provider (Kelce College/BERC) is established, this confirms the City’s ongoing need for data, analysis, and economic impact modeling to support business recruitment and development. Vendors in complementary areas (economic development consulting, marketing, GIS/data visualization, housing studies, or software that leverages IMPLAN output) can position follow‑on services that build on these datasets and help the City and local businesses apply the research to concrete projects and investment decisions.

Longstanding city–university partnership since 2014; includes quarterly print distribution to roughl...