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Home My WebLink About04-10-2024 PCC Agenda Packet Promotional Coordinating Committee AGENDA Wednesday, April 10, 2024, 5:30 p.m. City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo The Promotional Coordinating Committee holds in-person meetings. Zoom participation will not be supported at this time. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT: Public Comment prior to the meeting (must be received 3 hours in advance of the meeting): Mail - Delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Address letters to the City Clerk's Office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, 93401. Email - Submit Public Comments via email to advisorybodies@slocity.org. In the body of your email, please include the date of the meeting and the item number (if applicable). Emails will not be read aloud during the meeting. Voicemail - Call (805) 781-7164 and leave a voicemail. Please state and spell your name, the agenda item number you are calling about, and leave your comment. Verbal comments must be limited to 3 minutes. Voicemails will not be played during the meeting. *All correspondence will be archived and distributed to members, however, submissions received after the deadline may not be processed until the following day. Public Comment during the meeting: Meetings are held in-person. To provide public comment during the meeting, you must be present at the meeting location. Electronic Visual Aid Presentation. To conform with the City's Network Access and Use Policy, Chapter 1.3.8 of the Council Policies & Procedures Manual, members of the public who desire to utilize electronic visual aids to supplement their oral presentation are encouraged to provide display-ready material to the City Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Contact the City Clerk's Office at cityclerk@slocity.org or (805) 781-7114. Pages 1.CALL TO ORDER Chair Welch will call the Regular Meeting of the Promotional Coordinating Committee to order. 2.PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA At this time, people may address the Committee about items not on the agenda. Comments are limited to three minutes per person. Items raised at this time are generally referred to staff and, if action by the Committee is necessary, may be scheduled for a future meeting. 3.CONSENT 3.a MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ON MARCH 13, 2024 5 3.b 2023-24 COMMUNITY PROMOTION BUDGET REPORT 9 3.c SLO CHAMBER MONTHLY PUBLIC RELATIONS REPORT 11 3.d SLO CHAMBER GUEST SERVICES REPORT 13 3.e SLO CHAMBER GRANT SUPPORT REPORT 15 3.f TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX (TOT) REPORT 17 4.PRESENTATIONS 4.a PUBLIC RELATIONS, GIA SUPPORT, AND VISITOR SERVICES QUARTER REPORT (15 MIN) Representatives from the SLO Chamber will present the third quarter report for the Public Relations, Grant Support and Visitor Services activities. 5.BUSINESS ITEMS 5.a BIKE SHARE PROGRAM UPDATE (25 MIN)19 Sustainability staff will present the draft RFP for a bike share program for committee input and approval. 5.b BUDGET STATUS & PROGRAM PRIORITIES (20 MIN) Staff will present a budget status review for the committee’s consideration and discussion. 5.c INDEPENDENCE DAY BANNER PROJECT (25 MIN) Staff and contractor will present the opportunity to create an Independence Day banner series. 6.PCC LIAISON REPORTS AND COMMUNICATION 6.a CACP LIAISON REPORT – Liaison Assignments 6.b COMMITTEE OUTREACH UPDATE – Committee Report 6.c TBID BOARD REPORT – TBID Meeting Minutes: March 13 & 27, 2024 25 6.d TOURISM PROGRAM UPDATE – Staff Report 7.ADJOURNMENT The next Regular Meeting of the Promotional Coordinating Committee is scheduled for May 8, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. LISTENING ASSISTIVE DEVICES are available -- see the Clerk The City of San Luis Obispo wishes to make all of its public meetings accessible to the public. Upon request, this agenda will be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with disabilities. Any person with a disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting should direct such request to the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7114 at least 48 hours before the meeting, if possible. Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (805) 781-7410. Agenda related writings or documents provided to the Promotional Coordinating Committee are available for public inspection on the City’s website, under the Public Meeting Agendas web page: https://www.slocity.org/government/mayor- and-city-council/agendas-and-minutes. Meeting video recordings can be found on the City’s website: http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=61002&dbid=0&repo=CityCl erk Page 4 of 30 1 Promotional Coordinating Committee Minutes March 13, 2024, 5:30 p.m. City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo PCC Members Present: Committee Member Maureen Forsberg, Committee Member John Thomas, Committee Member Anni Wang, Committee Member Robin Wolf, Vice Chair Lori Lerian, Chair Samantha Welch PCC Members Absent: Committee Member Clint Pearce City Staff Present: Tourism & Community Promotions Manager Jacqui Clark- Charlesworth _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Promotional Coordinating Committee was called to order on March 13, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, by Chair Welch. 2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Public Comment: None --End of Public Comment-- 3. CONSENT Motion By Committee Member Thomas Second By Committee Member Wolf To approve Consent Items 3a to 3f. Ayes (6): Committee Member Forsberg, Committee Member Thomas, Committee Member Wang, Committee Member Wolf, Vice Chair Lerian, and Chair Welch Absent (1): Committee Member Pearce CARRIED (6 to 0) Page 5 of 30 2 3.a MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ON JANUARY 10, 2024 3.b 2023-24 COMMUNITY PROMOTION BUDGET REPORT 3.c SLO CHAMBER MONTHLY PUBLIC RELATIONS REPORTS 3.d SLO CHAMBER GUEST SERVICES REPORTS 3.e SLO CHAMBER GIA SUPPORT REPORTS 3.f TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX (TOT) REPORTS 4. PRESENTATIONS 4.a PUBLIC RELATIONS MONTHLY ACTIVITY UPDATES (10 MIN) Hollie West, SLO Chamber presented the monthly public relations activities for January and February and responded to inquiries. Public Comment: None --End of Public Comment-- Action: No action taken on this item. 4.b BUY LOCAL BONUS RECAP (20 MIN) Tourism & Community Promotions Manager Jacqui Clark-Charlesworth and SLO Chamber, Verdin Marketing and Badger Branding representatives presented the report and responded to inquiries. Public Comment: None --End of Public Comment-- Action: No action taken on this item. 4.c EAT LOCAL BONUS & SLO RESTAURANT WEEK RECAP (20 MIN) Tourism & Community Promotions Manager Jacqui Clark-Charlesworth and SLO Chamber, Verdin Marketing and Badger Branding representatives presented the report and responded to inquiries. Public Comment: None --End of Public Comment-- Action: No action taken on this item. Page 6 of 30 3 5. BUSINESS ITEMS 5.a PCC CHAIR & VICE-CHAIR APPOINTMENTS (10 MIN) Public Comment: None --End of Public Comment-- Motion By Committee Member Wolf Second By Committee Member Wang To appoint Samantha Welch as Chair and Lori Lerian as Vice Chair. Ayes (6): Committee Member Forsberg, Committee Member Thomas, Committee Member Wang, Committee Member Wolf, Vice Chair Lerian, and Chair Welch Absent (1): Committee Member Pearce CARRIED (6 to 0) 5.b CACP PROGRAM UPDATE (15 MIN) Chair Welch and Tourism & Community Promotions Manager Clark- Charlesworth provided an update on the CACP grant process and went over the subcommittee review process and timeline. Public Comment: None --End of Public Comment-- 6. PCC LIAISON REPORTS AND COMMUNICATION 6.a GIA LIAISON REPORT – Liaison Assignments 6.b COMMITTEE OUTREACH UPDATE – Committee Report 6.c TBID BOARD REPORT – TBID Meeting Minutes: January 10 and February 14, 2024 Tourism & Community Promotions Manager Jacqui Clark-Charlesworth provided an update on items the TBID has been working on. 6.d TOURISM PROGRAM UPDATE – Staff Report Tourism & Community Promotions Manager Jacqui Clark-Charlesworth provided an update on the Tourism Program. Page 7 of 30 4 7. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:02 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Promotional Coordinating Committee is scheduled for April 10, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. APPROVED BY PROMOTIONAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE: XX/XX/202X Page 8 of 30 Community Promotions Budget 2023-24 Budget 2023-24 Amount Budget 411,735$ Total Budget 411,735$ Expenditure Last Updated 4/4/2024 Expenditure Allocated Committed/Expended Available Balance Contractor Grant Funding 100,000$ 100,000$ -$ GIA Recipients Grant Promotional Support Contract 30,000$ 30,000$ Chamber of Commerce Community Placemaking & Recovery Projects 53,243$ 37,000$ 16,243$ Various Visitor Services Contract 121,275$ 121,275$ Chamber of Commerce Public Relations Contract 50,000$ 50,000$ Chamber of Commerce Printed Maps 7,500$ -$ 7,500$ Chamber of Commerce Support Cost 5,000$ -$ 5,000$ City Administration Administration 44,735$ 44,735$ City Administration Total 411,753$ 383,010$ 28,743$ Page 9 of 30 Page 10 of 30 Report to City of SLO – TBID and PCC Public Relations Contract March 2024 PR ACTIVITY Implementation/Proactive Work Hosted travel writer Alexa Mellardo's in partnership with DCI Updated SLO Neighborhood Maps Distributed Upcoming Spring Events press release on March 18 Continued pitching Midweekend promotion Continued pitching See + Stay promotion Continued working with the City and Noble Studios/DCI on overall tourism marketing campaign Attended Visit California's Outlook Forum Attended SLO Tribune Subscriber Forum Responsive leads Pitched "Group Travel in the Golden State", "Professional Meetings & Events Story Idea: Global Meetings Industry Day" and "Skip-Gen Trips" story ideas to Visit California Partnerships Continued planning for SoCal Spring Media Mission with DCI Continued working with Badger Branding on Downtown Neighborhood Map Continued working with the City, DCI, Hotel SLO and the SLO International Film Festival to plan The Art of SLO(wing) Down group media trip Continued working with the City, DCI, Noble and Badger Branding on Sustainable SLO marketing plan PUBLICATION PLACEMENTS UVPM AD VALUE PILLARS RESULT OF YAHOO NEWS Calling all 'weird rodent' fans: Beaver Festival is returning to SLO this weekend 180,340,000.00 $34,344.70 Cultural PROACTIVE PITCHING KCBX SLO County Beaver Festival returns for another year 22,000.00 $1.21 Cultural PROACTIVE PITCHING FORBES SLO Traveling Through California's Central Coast 75,780,000.00 $27,658.75 Cultural HOSTING BY HOTEL SLO TRAVEL PULSE Kind Traveler's Every Stay Gives Back Program Helps Plant Trees in San Luis Obispo 405,000.00 $62.77 Sustainability PROACTIVE PITCHING BY KIND TRAVELER SUSTAINABLE BRANDS Kind Traveler Adds SLO to Destinations Where 'Every Stay Gives Back 42,000.00 $5.81 Sustainability PROACTIVE PITCHING BY KIND TRAVELER KSBY Lineup for 30th annual San Luis Obispo International Film Festival announced 478,000.00 $39.54 Cultural PROACTIVE PITCHING BY SLO FILM FESTIVAL KSBY New offerings in store for SLO International Film Festival's 30th anniversary 478,000.00 $39.54 Cultural PROACTIVE PITCHING BY SLO FILM FESTIVAL KCLU Central Coast film festival celebrating 30th anniversary, has 125 film lineup 25,000.00 $1.36 Cultural PROACTIVE PITCHING BY SLO FILM FESTIVAL YAHOO NEWS SLO airport is adding a bunch more flights - but dropping another. Here's what's changing 180,340,000.00 $34,344.70 Cultural MSN Top 10 Happiest Cities in the USA: Where Variety and Contentment Flourish 157,190,000.00 $15,444.86 Cultural YELP Top 10 Family-Friendly Travel Destinations, According to Yelp 94,982,570.00 $12,003.71 Family USA TODAY Top dog-friendly vacation destinations 66,340,000.00 $15,188.34 Family 24/7 WALL STREET Avoid Every Hard Cider Brand, Except These 1,940,000.00 $95.54 Beer/Wine THE TECH EDVOCATE These Are 10 Of The Best Historic Downtowns In California 1,170,000.00 $7.88 Cultural VACATION IDEA 25 Best Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California 879,000.00 $184.43 Cultural AMERICAN CRAFT BEER Best Beer Destinations: 5 Serious Beercation Hotels 48,000.00 $1.20 Beer/Wine HOTELS ABOVE PAR Where to Find California's Most Underrated Vineyards 28,000.00 $1.21 Beer/Wine TOTALS 17 760,487,570.00 $139,425.55 TOTAL YTD 1,785,224,195.00 $1,073,500.89 126 2,545,711,765.00 $1,212,926.44 Page 11 of 30 Page 12 of 30 Mar Feb Mar 2023 2024 2024 Asia 0% Walk-ins 4,470 5,276 5,062 Europe 38% Phone Calls 612 206 211 Australia/NZ 0% Emails & Digital 1,106 979 1,012 UK 29% N. America 32% C. America 0% Mar Feb Mar S. America 0% 2023 2024 2024 Calls 122 42 27 West Coast 18% Southwest 15% Midwest 40% Mar Feb Mar South 14% 2023 2024 2024 East Coast 13% Referrals 785 25 48 Northern CA 25% Central Coast 40% Mar Feb Mar Central Valley 6% 2023 2024 2024 Desert 0% Email 82 112 101 Southern CA 29% Phone Calls 296 124 132 Feb Feb Mar 2023 2024 2024 YTD Fulfilled N/A 50 VisitSLO.com 46 80 INFORMATION REQUESTS EVENTS SHARED REPORT TO CITY OF SLO - TBID & PCC GUEST SERVICES CONTRACT MARCH 2024 DEMOGRAPHIC SNAPSHOT International Travelers VISITOR INTERACTION CALLS TO 877-SLO-TOWN HOTEL REFERRALS HOTEL AVAILABILITY TRACKER Domestic Travelers California Travelers VISITOR CENTER ACTIVATIONS No external activations VISITOR CENTER HIGHLIGHTS 1) Continuing MidWeekend travelers program 3) First appearance of the Spring Break crowds 2) Quarterly visits out to the hotel properties - introducing Jessica Page 13 of 30 Page 14 of 30 March 2024 Grants-in-Aid and Cultural Arts &Community Promotions Marketing Support Activity Organization Event EC PR PC VC SM MTG ST HD DS RACE Matters SLO County Belonging 2023:Braiding Water X X Central Coast Shakespeare Festival Love's Labor Lost X X X Orchestra Novo Orchestra Novo Goes Hollywood,Pops ON The Sequel X X SLO Symphony SLO Symphony 2023-2024 Classics Season X X X X Festival Mozaic Mozart in the Mission X X X Hospice SLO County Light Up A Life X X X X Central Coast Roller Derby (CCRD,Inc.) Central Coast Roller Derby 2023 Home Bouts X X X X Downtown SLO 27th Annual Concerts in the Plaza X X X X San Luis Obispo Master Chorale Chants Encounter;Holiday Festival; All-Night Vigil X X X X X X SLO Overdose Awareness Day SLO Overdose Awareness Day X X X X Cal Poly Corporation (on behalf of Cal Poly Arts)Cal Poly Arts Jazz Series X Canzona Women's Ensemble Weaving Women's Voices X X X X X X Central Coast Ag Network dba City Farm SLO 3rd Annual Sheep Shearing Shindig X X X Civic Ballet of SLO Scarlet Ibis &Rodeo (formerly West Side Story)X Five Cities Diversity Coalition DBA Diversity Coalition of SLO County Women of Color Symposium X X Foundation of the Performing Arts Center NORTH:The Musical X History Center of SLO County Opening Day at the Dallidet X X Saint Andrew Greek Orthodox San Luis Obispo Greek Festival X Page 15 of 30 Church SLO Beaver Brigade 2nd Annual SLO County Beaver Festival X X X X X X SLO Climate Coalition SLO County Earth Day Fair X X X SLO International Film Festival SLO International Film Festival X X X X SLO Museum of Art Adam Parker Smith Exhibition X X SLO Repertory Theatre Beehive -The 60s Musical X X Black is current month,gray is past work White boxes are GIA recipients,gray boxes are CACP recipients Boxes marked with "D"indicate that recipients knew about service and declined to utilize. 23 Total;23 served to date or in progress EC-Confirmed/added event(s)in local Event Calendars, including:SLO CAL,SLO Chamber,SLO Happenings PR-Included event(s)in seasonal Press Release sent to local/regional media outlets PC-Spoke with recipient(s)via Phone Call to review/discuss promotional opportunities and answer questions VC-Prominently displayed printed promotional materials in Visitor Center;brochures,posters,etc. SM-Promoted event(s)on SLO Chamber Social Media channels via press release from recipients MTG-Met with Groups in person and offered public relations advice and support ST-Sold/are currently selling Tickets for event(s) through the Visitor Center HD -Included printed promotional material in Hotel Distribution DS -Recipient Declined Services Page 16 of 30 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 Change +/- to previous FY July 508,195$ 541,806$ 591,184$ 636,778$ 699,845$ 761,346$ 844,845$ 877,391$ 861,241$ 884,317$ 913,019$ 530,064$ 1,214,080$ 1,300,061$ 1,244,066$ -4.3% August 511,564$ 542,194$ 574,395$ 623,655$ 674,244$ 732,271$ 774,501$ 765,232$ 728,932$ 775,513$ 826,465$ 623,523$ 992,620$ 1,089,326$ 1,035,032$ -5.0% September 400,023$ 437,543$ 490,524$ 508,583$ 505,954$ 557,002$ 643,127$ 650,117$ 693,704$ 682,810$ 720,414$ 660,405$ 965,595$ 1,040,391$ 1,024,818$ -1.5% October 414,870$ 442,586$ 437,805$ 469,977$ 509,435$ 594,032$ 642,221$ 628,049$ 601,208$ 650,101$ 711,393$ 632,733$ 889,485$ 986,882$ 986,381$ -0.1% November 280,913$ 330,924$ 347,437$ 359,163$ 425,769$ 475,360$ 468,016$ 497,162$ 513,487$ 556,885$ 593,403$ 422,488$ 722,487$ 772,110$ 747,844$ -3.1% December 246,684$ 274,417$ 314,784$ 319,451$ 355,315$ 391,132$ 429,600$ 434,836$ 473,701$ 488,296$ 488,757$ 236,391$ 638,253$ 630,527$ 630,325$ 0.0% January 230,279$ 256,351$ 276,165$ 302,153$ 331,853$ 400,239$ 387,304$ 396,559$ 415,690$ 465,547$ 520,813$ 302,621$ 557,369$ 526,691$ 539,507$ 2.4% February 273,373$ 302,246$ 323,359$ 344,160$ 366,980$ 431,510$ 466,915$ 439,735$ 503,451$ 524,327$ 596,021$ 426,144$ 716,045$ 718,467$ 634,184$ -11.7%missing 6 hotels March 326,099$ 333,783$ 392,266$ 426,879$ 448,103$ 520,795$ 559,235$ 549,642$ 577,285$ 602,781$ 268,458$ 614,973$ 820,473$ 805,947$ April 423,158$ 451,133$ 475,913$ 486,850$ 564,617$ 610,894$ 609,439$ 708,724$ 641,919$ 741,364$ 69,184$ 742,477$ 1,068,408$ 1,057,701$ May 372,997$ 433,874$ 447,116$ 489,862$ 546,916$ 601,614$ 598,093$ 645,114$ 630,820$ 665,603$ 174,982$ 760,006$ 919,831$ 910,444$ June 490,326$ 512,543$ 578,234$ 610,948$ 630,729$ 727,028$ 731,038$ 765,362$ 796,899$ 835,727$ 409,945$ 973,975$ 1,100,000$ 1,147,826$ Total/Average 4,478,481$ 4,859,400$ 5,249,181$ 5,578,460$ 6,059,758$ 6,803,224$ 7,154,334$ 7,357,923$ 7,438,338$ 7,873,272$ 6,292,853$ 6,925,799$ 10,604,646$ 10,986,373$ 6,842,159$ 2022-23 2023-24 Change +/-2022-23 2023-24 Change +/-2022-23 2023-24 Change +/- July 82.6 83.5 1.1%206.04 199.85 -3.0%170.2 166.97 -1.9% August 75.8 74 -2.4%191.58 190.04 -0.8%145.18 140.59 -3.2% September 72.7 71.2 -2.1%192.94 194.69 0.9%140.26 138.57 -1.2% October 69.9 70.1 0.3%182.95 184.24 0.7%127.88 129.19 1.0% November 61.6 62.7 1.8%168.42 164.58 -2.3%103.79 103.23 -0.5% December 54.1 56.5 4.4%151.40 149.65 -1.2%81.88 84.56 3.3% January 50.4 54.3 7.7%136.18 139.69 2.6%68.59 75.79 10.5% February 65.9 59.7 -9.4%156.67 152.68 -2.5%103.3 91.2 -11.71% March 64.1 159.05 101.91 April 74.0 188.24 141.32 May 67.5 181.38 122.36 June 74.2 206.77 153.52 Total/Average 67.73 0.00 176.80$ -0.01 121.68$ 0.00 Updated: 04/04/2024 Occupancy ADR RevPAR*Figures from Smith Travel Research Report TOT Comparison Page 17 of 30 Page 18 of 30 City of San Luis Obispo, Agenda, Planning Commission Promotional Coordinating Committee AGENDA REPORT ITEM 1 DATE: April 5, 2024 FROM: Lucia Pohlman, Sustainability and Natural Resources Analyst SUBJECT: Bikeshare Request for Proposals Recommendation Receive a presentation and provide a consensus recommendation on the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for launching a bikeshare program that would serve the City of San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly in advance of City Council considering the item at their May 7, 2024, meeting. Policy Context Staff’s draft RFP and recommendation is in direct support of over a decade of Council actions that call for the City to assess and/or launch a bikeshare system. Starting in 2019, assessing and/or launching a bikeshare system has been a Major City Goal work program task, enduring across three financial plans. Launching a bikeshare is a named strategy in twelve City Council adopted policy and planning documents related to economic development, the future of downtown, active transportation, parking, climate action, public transit, and land use. City Council actions and adopted plans related to bikeshare are linked below: 1. 2012 - Climate Action Plan (TLU implementation action 3.3) 2. 2014 - 2014 Land Use and Circulation Element (Policy 4.2.1) 3. 2017 - Downtown Concept Plan (implementation action 37) 4. 2019 - 2019-2021 Financial Plan and Major City Goal Work Program (see Packet Page 61) 5. 2019 - City Council study session on the topic of shared bike systems 6. 2020 - 2021-2023 Financial Plan and Major City Goal work program (Task 4.4.v) 7. 2020 - 2020 Climate Action Plan for Community Recovery (2020 CAP) 8. 2020 – City Council directed staff to pause the bikeshare effort 9. 2021 - Active Transportation Plan (Goal 3.7) 10. 2022 - 2023-27 CAP Work Program (task Connected 2.2.A) 11. 2023 - Parking and Access Management Plan (Strategy 1.B.2) 12. 2023 - 2023-25 Financial Plan and Major City Goal Work Program (task 4.3.i) 13. 2023 - Economic Development Strategic Plan (Action 2.5.4) 14. 2024 - Transit Innovation Study (Service Enhancement 7.3) Background In 2023, based on direction provided by Major City Goal task 4.3.i in the 2023-25 Financial Plan to “Reassess the viability of launching a citywide bikeshare system […].”, staff from the Office of Sustainability and Natural Resources led an assessment into the feasibility of launching a bikeshare Page 19 of 30 Promotional Coordinating Committee Agenda Item 1, April 10th, 2024 Page 2 program. This was the second time a bikeshare was considered by the City, which decided to pause bikeshare efforts in 2020 in response to the pandemic and other factors. In 2023, staff determined a bikeshare to be feasible primarily because of advancements in the bikeshare industry since an RFP was last considered, the City’s progress implementing priority active transportation infrastructure projects (especially along corridors where bikeshare docks are expected to be located), a strong partnership and shared vision for bikeshare with Cal Poly, and the availability of staff resources within the Office of Sustainability and Natural Resources to support the launch of a bikeshare program. As such, staff believe that the City and Cal Poly can partner on procuring a vendor that can successfully launch a bikeshare in San Luis Obispo. As a result of these findings, staff from the Office of Sustainability and Natural Resources drafted a Bikeshare RFP in collaboration with Cal Poly staff (Attachment A). City staff intend to bring this RFP to Council on May 7, 2024, as a consent agenda item to secure authorization to release an RFP for the project. As it relates to the PCC’s purpose to improve the quality of life for all City residents and visitors and promote the City as a regional trade, recreation, and tourist center consistent with community goals – a bikeshare program has the ability to get people out of cars and support a more connected and vibrant public realm, an equitable and sustainable way of getting around, and the fun and safe movement of more students, visitors, commuters and residents throughout the City. The following sections provide evidence to support these assertions: What’s New about Bikeshare in 2024? 1. Market has Matured: Since the 2019 Council Study Session on launching a bikeshare, the industry and particularly the expertise and preferred system configurations of bikeshare operators has stabilized around successful public-private partnership models. The market has evolved from the unregulated and uncoordinated deployment of scooters by start-up micro-mobility companies; to expensive City and/or grant-funded deployment; to where we are today with a diversity of system models, including a proven zero-cost to the City configuration. This evolution is a departure from the findings in the 2020 Alta Rapid Bikeshare Assessment that suggested significant funding might be necessary to launch a program. Staff discussions with peer cities and prospective vendors indicate that the market for a bikeshare program without significant investment from the city is viable. 2. Success in Peer Cities: Dozens of cities across the U.S. have launched community-serving bikeshare systems through partnerships with a third-party bikeshare operator. As Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara are regional peer communities with active bikeshare programs, both cities provide valuable comparative experience to learn from. City of San Luis Obispo staff have conferred with staff from both of these cities, respectively, and learned the following: o In January 2021, the City of Santa Barbara launched the first phase of a three-year bikeshare pilot through partnership with a privately-owned bikeshare operator. The zero-cost to the City pilot included the installation of 500 bicycle docks that served a fleet of 250 e-bikes that reach a maximum pedal-assist speed of 17-mph and have constantly illuminated front and rear lights. After three years of operation, their City staff determined that the partnership was a good fit for Santa Barbara and returned to City Council to extend the agreement. Page 20 of 30 Promotional Coordinating Committee Agenda Item 1, April 10th, 2024 Page 3 o In June 2023, the City of Santa Cruz and UCSC launched a bikeshare that will expand to serve Capitola, Watsonville, Cabrillo College, and the unincorporated County. The initial launch included about 400 e-bikes and 800 docks throughout the City of Santa Cruz and UCSC campus. The countywide rollout will expand to up to 660 e-bikes and 1320 docks in 2024. 3. Improved Equipment: Over the past five years, the equipment used by bikeshare operators has improved. The standard design for fleet-appropriate durable electric pedal-assist bicycles has gotten lighter, less bulky, and more accessible. Additionally, the pedal -assist batteries have increased in capacity while other components have gotten more efficient, resulting in longer range in pedal assist mode. Additionally, bikeshare operators have switched from charging bike docks that are connected to the electric grid and require trenching and electrical infrastructure, to a low-impact model with simple metal docks that are bolted to the ground. To charge the bikes, operator staff service the docks by swapping out bike batteries that are low with fully charged batteries from their warehouse. In San Luis Obispo, these docks can be installed in ways that supplement existing bike parking in the public realm. In addition, dock stations have moved to a more reduced footprint accommodating stations with as few as one or tw o bikes rather than sets of 10 or more as in previous iterations. What’s New in San Luis Obispo? 1. Improving Bike Infrastructure: A bikeshare system complements the City and Cal Poly’s investment in pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and further supports bicycling as a convenient and effective mode of low-carbon transportation. If this RFP results in a successful procurement, the City will aim to launch the launch a bikeshare by the summer of 2025. By this time, the City will have made significant progress in advancing bikeway infrastructure between the downtown and Cal Poly area where bikeshare infrastructure is expected to be concentrated. These active transportation infrastructure improvements include: 1. Railroad Safety Trail (Pepper to Phillips): Completed 2. Protected Bike Lanes in the Downtown on Higuera and Marsh: Completed 3. Cerro Romauldo Neighborhood Greenway: Completed 4. North Chorro Neighborhood Greenway: Completion expected end of April 2024 5. Toro and Mill Street Neighborhood Greenways: Completion of Toro and portion of Mill Street (Pepper to Grand) expected as part of 2024 paving plan. Mill Street (Pepper to Santa Rosa) expected as part of the 2025 or 2026 paving plan 6. Bike lane on Highland (near Cuesta to Santa Rosa): Completion expected as part of 2024 paving plan 7. Resealing of Railroad Safety Trail along California Blvd (Taft to Foothill): Completion expected as part of 2024 paving plan 8. Intersection improvements at Foothill and California: Construction start expected by 2025 9. Foothill Complete Streets Project: Community outreach to begin 2024 and construction funding request as part of 2023-25 FY Financial Plan 10. Grand Ave Roadway Sealing bikeway improvements: pilot project in 2024, permanent improvements expected in 2026 or 2027 2. Partnership with Cal Poly: Cal Poly representatives strongly support including the university in any prospective bikeshare system. A bikeshare fulfills Cal Poly’s Campus Page 21 of 30 Promotional Coordinating Committee Agenda Item 1, April 10th, 2024 Page 4 Master Plan and Climate Action Plan recommendations to support a bicycle program. Implementing an accessible bikeshare is consistent with Cal Poly’s investment in pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and further encourages bicycling as a convenient and effective mode of low-carbon transportation on campus. Cal Poly has been an active partner to the City during the early stages of the procurement process, and pending Council approval to release the RFP, is ready to support the vendor selection process, pre-launch activities, and successful program operations. The development of a strong partnership on bikeshare between the City and Cal Poly is aligned with key findings and recommendations from Alta’s Rapid Bikeshare Assessment. How Important is Bikeshare in Making Progress Towards the City’s Goals? 1. Community Vibrancy: Bikeshares can increase community connectedness, increase pedestrian foot traffic, positively impact commercial areas, provide visitors with a novel and enjoyable way to explore new areas, and have a beneficial impact on users’ health. A 2019 study in Washington D.C. surveyed businesses adjacent to bikeshare dock locations, and 20% of respondents reported increased sales and 70% identified a positive impact on the area associated with bikeshare. Of bikeshare users in D.C., 85% stated they were more likely to patronize a store near a docking location. 2. Commuters: Bikeshare has the potential to impact commuters, which make up an approximate 50% of the City of San Luis Obispo’s daytime population representing an average of 47,000 people each weekday. Bikeshare can provide first-last mile solutions that connect commuters to regional transit services. Additionally, bikeshare can replace vehicles for short daytime trips for both transit and car commuters. A bikeshare can also provide the ancillary benefit of providing an option for users who are interested in making trips in SLO by bike but have security concerns about parking their personal bike in public areas. Given the data from neighboring Santa Cruz which show usage ranging from 18,000 to over 30,000 trips monthly, there is promise that similar results are possible in San Luis Obispo. 3. Equity: Bikeshare has the potential to provide daily access to electric bicycles for community members of low income and aligns with the Active Transportation Plan Goal 4.10 and 4.12 to address the cost barrier to bicycle access, which may be especially relevant given the recent spike in popularity of electric bicycles that still have a high cost compared to acoustic bicycles. These ATP goals are also echoed in the League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Community Report Card “Key Steps to Platinum” recommending launch of a bikeshare system to increase bicycle accessibility. Further, a 2023 study in Journal of Transport Geography found that increasing bikeshare utilization “among low-income individuals, people of color, and non-auto owners may enable them to connect to employment and other opportunities without needing to own or maintain a car. Bikeshare has the potential to provide low-income and car-free community members and commuters with a new accessible mode of transportation to serve some of their mobility needs.” 4. Mode Shift: A 2020 study from Word Resources Institute found that depending on the city, between 17% and 45% of total bike share miles traveled replaced motorized miles traveled. Among surveyed users, 11% switched from private cars, 14% from taxis or ride-hailing services and 6% from motorcycles. According to a 2015 study from U.C. Berkeley, 25 to 52 percent of surveyed users in Montreal, Toronto, Washington, DC, and Minneapolis stated they drove less often after becoming a bikeshare member. The study makes clear Page 22 of 30 Promotional Coordinating Committee Agenda Item 1, April 10th, 2024 Page 5 that “In suburbs and small- to medium-sized cities, where public transit can be sparse, bikesharing complements transit and provides better access to and from existing lines. In these places, bikesharing serves as an important first- and last-mile connector and increases public transit use.” Additionally, a 2022 bikeshare report from the UK found that bikeshare encouraged new or infrequent riders to bike, with 60% of survey respondents reporting that bikeshare “was a catalyst to them cycling for the first time in at least a year or ever.” Bike Share RFP Rating Criteria The primary specifications desired by the City and Cal Poly are codified in the RFP. The RFP calls for a 3-year pilot program for a docked-based electric pedal-assist bikeshare system. The ideal system scale is specified as 20 docking locations and 175 bikes. Proposals are required to describe strategies to make bikeshare accessible to all community members including those from disadvantaged communities and for persons that have typically experienced barriers to active transportation. The RFP also makes clear that any future bikeshare Operator will be responsible for all maintenance and repair to keep the system in continuous compliance with contractual service standards, will be required to promote safe and lawful operation of safe bicycles and proactively avoid any City and Cal Poly staff involvement in remedying issues including bicycles left on sidewalks or elsewhere in the public right of way. The full set of criteria can be found in the attached RFP. Community Engagement Bikeshare is repeatedly affirmed as a City work effort and is prioritized by community members during outreach events, including at the 2022 Connected Community Stakeholder Forum and the 2022 CAP Community Climate Party. The Connected Community Stakeholder Forum solicited feedback on the implementation of the City’s Active Transportation Plan, including the viability and priority components of a micro mobility bikeshare program. A bikeshare program aligned with the expectations detailed in the attached RFP honors the recommendations of the forum. Participants included representatives from Bike SLO County, the Lumina Alliance, SLO Chamber of Commerce, SLO County YIMBY, RideOn, San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG), Mass Transportation Committee, Active Transportation Committee, and the Cal Poly Associated Students Inc. (ASI). The forum recommendations included a draft action to “Launch Micro Mobility Program by 2024,” in order to reach the City’s mode share targets and connect key community nodes by an accessible bikeshare program. The forum specifically called for (1) a combination of bicycle model types to increase accessibility, (2) the siting of bike dock locations near transit hubs, commercial corridors, community institutions and major employers; and (3) equity commitments including free or reduced-priced programs for low income community members paired with extensive outreach, marketing and basic bicycle education, and (4) integration into any existing and future digital transportation apps or user platforms. Additionally, a bikeshare program would serve multiple current community proprieties including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, alleviating downtown parking constraints, and offering the possibility of accessible and equitable mobility options for low-income community members. Pending a successful procurement, staff would conduct significant additional community outreach to inform the bikeshare docking locations, aesthetics, and other program components. Page 23 of 30 Promotional Coordinating Committee Agenda Item 1, April 10th, 2024 Page 6 Costs The City proposes issuing an RFP for a system operator that will run a bikeshare program in the City of San Luis Obispo and on Cal Poly campus at no cost to either organization. This model is operating successfully in Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz and staff anticipate vendor interest in this operational model. Next Steps On May 7, 2024, City Council is scheduled vote on authorizing the release of the bikeshare RFP, and to enter into a bikeshare-specific MOU with Cal Poly to guide a jurisdictional partnership in support of a successful bikeshare program. The item will be on the consent agenda, which is the typical process for authorizing a request for proposals. If the Council approves moving forward with the RFP and a vendor is selected, the next step would be to coordinate with the vendor on an operations agreement, which will provide more detail about how the program will be implemented including the process for station selection and placement, deployment of bikes, pricing, and other considerations that may arise. Should the City move forward with the RFP and select a vendor, staff will keep the PCC informed as an operator agreement develops. Concurrence Per feedback from the ATC, Office of Sustainability staff have led the development of the RFP and this Staff Report. Public Works staff have reviewed both closely and concur with the recommendation. Additionally, Cal Poly staff have also reviewed and approved the RFP and concur with staff’s recommendation. Recommendation Receive a presentation and provide a consensus recommendation on a Request for Proposals (RFP) for launching a bikeshare program that would serve the City of San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly in advance of City Council considering the item at their May 7, 2024, meeting. Attachments A – Draft 2024 Bikeshare Request for Proposals Page 24 of 30 1 Tourism Business Improvement District Board Minutes March 13, 2024, 10:00 a.m. City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo TBID Board Present: Member Lori Keller, Member Prashant Patel, Vice Chair Lydia Bates, Chair Clint Pearce TBID Board Absent Member Winston Newland, Member Nipool Patel, and Member Sandy Sandoval Staff Present: Economic Development & Tourism Manager Molly Cano and Tourism & Community Promotions Manager Jacqui Clark- Charlesworth _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District Board was called to order on March 13, 2024 at 10:0 1 a.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, by Chair Pearce. 2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Public Comment: None --End of Public Comment-- 3. CONSENT Motion By Member Keller Second By Vice Chair Bates To approved Consent Items 3a to 3g. Ayes (4): Member Keller, Member Patel, Vice Chair Bates, and Chair Pearce Noes (3): Member Newland, Member Nipool Patel, and Member Sandoval CARRIED (4 to 3) Page 25 of 30 2 3.a MINUTES OF TBID REGULAR MEETING ON FEBRUARY 14 3.b SMITH TRAVEL REPORT (STR) 3.c TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX (TOT) REPORT 3.d SLO CHAMBER PUBLIC RELATIONS MONTHLY REPORT 3.e SLO CHAMBER GUEST SERVICES MONTHLY REPORT 3.f NOBLE STUDIOS & DCI MARKETING MONTHLY REPORT 3.g BADGER BRANDING ORGANIC SOCIAL REPORT 4. PRESENTATIONS 4.a SLO CAL WELCOME (15 MIN) Alyssa Manno from Visit SLO CAL presented the update and responded to questions. Public Comment: None --End of Public Comment-- 5. BUSINESS ITEMS 5.a SLO TBID APPOINTMENTS (10 MIN) Motion By Member Keller Second By Vice Chair Bates Chair Pearce nominated Vice Chair Bates to be Chair and PCC Liaison. Chair Pearce agreed to be Vice Chair. Ayes (4): Member Keller, Member Patel, Vice Chair Bates, and Chair Pearce Noes (3): Member Newland, Member Nipool Patel, and Member Sandoval CARRIED (4 to 3) Public Comment: None --End of Public Comment-- Page 26 of 30 3 5.b Q4 MEDIA PLAN REVIEW (30 MIN) Danni Winter and Haley Corbett of Noble Studios presented the fourth quarter media plan and proposed budget change for Pantheon web hosting for VisitSLO.com. ACTION: By consensus the Board choose Option 2, to pull three creative services hours for Pantheon hosting for FY23 -34 and then moving to annual plan in FY24-25. Public Comment: Katy McGrath, Badger Branding 5.c RFP UPDATE (10 MIN) Tourism & Community Promotions Manager Jacqui Clark-Charlesworth presented an update on the Destination Marketing Services RFP process and timeline. Public Comment: None --End of Public Comment-- 6. TBID LIAISON REPORTS AND COMMUNICATION 6.a HOTELIER UPDATE – LIAISON REPORTS None 6.b PCC UPDATE – LIAISON REPORT Chair Pearce provided a brief update on PCC activities. 6.c VISIT SLO CAL UPDATE – LIAISON REPORT Economic Development & Tourism Manager Molly Cano provided a brief update on Visit SLO CAL activities. 6.d TOURISM PROGRAM UPDATE – STAFF REPORT Tourism & Community Promotions Manager Jacqui Clark-Charlesworth provided a brief update on the tourism programs. 7. ADJOURNMENT Page 27 of 30 4 The meeting was adjourned at 11:37 a.m. The next Special Meeting of the Tourism Business Improvement District Board is scheduled for March 26, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. APPROVED BY TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD: XX/XX/202X Page 28 of 30 1 Tourism Business Improvement District Board Minutes March 26, 2024, 1:00 p.m. City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo TBID Board Present: Member Lori Keller, Member Winston Newland, Member Prashant Patel, Member Sandy Sandoval, Chair Clint Pearce City Staff Present: Economic Development & Tourism Manager Molly Cano, Tourism & Community Promotions Manager Jacqui Clark- Charlesworth _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER A Special Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District Board was called to order on March 26, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, by Chair Pearce. 2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Public Comment: None --End of Public Comment-- 3. BUSINESS ITEMS 3.a GALA PRIDE & DIVERSITY CENTER STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP (25 MIN) Representatives from Noble Studios provided a recap on last year’s Pride marketing and provided recommendations for this year. Dusty Colyer-Worth from GALA Pride & Diversity Center presented a proposal for a 15-month strategic partnership and responded to inquiries. Public Comment: None --End of Public Comment— Motion by Member Sandoval Page 29 of 30 2 Seconded by Member Newland ACTION: To allocate $23k to paid media for this year’s Pride events from the Research budget and $30k to GALA Pride & Diversity Center for a strategi partnership from the Events budget. Ayes (5): Member Keller, Member Patel, Member Sandoval, Member Newland, and Chair Pearce Absent (2): Vice Chair Bates and Member Nipool Patel CARRIED (5 to 0) 3.b SELECT RFP PROPOSALS FOR INTERVIEWS (65 MIN) Public Comment: None --End of Public Comment— ACTION: Board consensus to invite the top five scoring agencies for first interviews on April 16, 2024. 4. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 2:24 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Tourism Business Improvement District Board is scheduled for April 10, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. _________________________ APPROVED BY TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD: XX/XX/202X Page 30 of 30