Title
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A Resolution Ratifying the Renewal of a Professional Services Agreement with Metro Strategies Group, LLC to Provide Grant Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $100,000 for a One (1) Year Term and Authorizing its Execution
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Introduction
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Staff requests that the Village Board ratify the execution of the Renewal of the Professional Services Agreement with Metro Strategies Group, LLC, to provide grant services for the Village.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior actions:
• Adopted RES 24-242 on June 8th, 2024, approving the renewal of a professional services agreement with Metro Strategies Group, LLC.
• Adopted RES 23-217 on July 31, 2023, authorizing a one-year professional services agreement with Metro Strategies Group LLC.
Background
Over the course of the past 2 years, Metro Strategies worked with all Village departments to better understand their departmental goals, evaluated current grant processes, and developed a new organizational process. In August 2023, Metro Strategies worked with staff to develop the Go/No-Go Process. This process is a framework to help departments standardize their approach to grant applications, becoming more strategic in grant selection, understanding eligibility and feasibility, and devising a method for implementation before moving forward with an application. Metro Strategies, LLC, has helped to identify, write, and support the development of over 25 grants for the Village of Oak Park.
Timing Considerations
The current contract with Metro Strategies LLC expired at the end of July 2025.
Budget Impact
Since the signing of the original contract in July of 2023, Metro Strategies has supported the development of over 25 grants for the Village, earning over $2,500,000, and supported staff on grants worth an additional $900,000.
This item is budgeted for under GL # 1001.41020.101.530667, VMO - External Support in the amount of $100,000.
Staffing Impact
This contract supports Village staff in all departments to prepare, identify, and apply for grants in multiple sectors, including the state, federal, and non-profit levels. This action requires several department hours per month preparing forms and applications, but is reduced with assistance from Metro Strategies.
DEI Impact
Procuring support to acquire large, impactful external grant funding advances Village equity goals by supporting grant applications for projects to direct necessary and sufficient resources to community members and neighborhoods most in need of Village investment.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Village Board approve the resolution.
Advantages:
• Approving the resolution ensures staff remain proactive on grant opportunities, retain the professional expertise of consultants for applications, and continue to centralize grant reporting and applications.
Disadvantages:
• This action requires the expenditure of funds.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board can delay action to gain additional information.
Advantages:
• The board would be presented with additional information as requested.
Disadvantages:
• A delay in action will result in a lapse in the contract.
Alternative 2:
The Board can choose not to approve the resolution.
Advantages:
• This action can lead to potential cost savings.
Disadvantages:
• Staff will lose expertise on grant applications, opportunity insight, and grant preparation.
Anticipated Future Actions
Upon adoption of the Resolution, Village staff will execute the professional services agreement with the vendor.
Prepared By: Jack Malec, Assistant to the Village Manager
Reviewed By: Ahmad M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Oak Park Grant Tracker
2. Proposal
3. Resolution
4. Professional Services Agreement