HomeMy WebLinkAboutB. Cestero - My communications strategist recommendationFrom:Barb Cestero
To:Becky Franks; Deanna Campbell
Cc:Mike Maas
Subject:My communications strategist recommendation
Date:Sunday, July 27, 2025 5:59:09 PM
Hi Becky & Deanna,
I’ve reviewed the RFP, submitted proposals, interviews, and all public comments. I
recommend that we contract with Working Ventures as our Communications
Strategist. Based on the scope of services in our RFP, Working Ventures has the breadth
of experience and diverse skill sets needed to support us in implementing our
Communications, Engagement and Study plans
My recommendation regarding Working Ventures is based on the materials I reviewed
and the criteria used to evaluate the two candidates. Specifically:
The Working Ventures proposal is rooted in the goals we have established for this
study as well as our communications, engagement and study plans. They see their
role as partnering with us as the elected officials to achieve these goals.
WV has demonstrated that they are able to effectively communicate complex
topics in ways that are easily understood, and included development of
educational materials to ensure the community has good information from which
to engage in this process.
While they have not worked in Montana before, they have extensive experience
working with municipal and state governments. In their interview, they
demonstrated fundamental knowledge of the purpose, structure, and options of
the Bozeman local government study process as well as an understanding of legal
requirements for transparency, project records, and maintaining the line between
education and advocacy..
They provided a clear timeline and specific cost proposal rooted in our timeline
and plans. Their cost proposal included their hourly compensation rate and
anticipated travel expenses. They followed up with clarifying information regarding
costs related to printing, supplies and other engagement tools. As a result, I have
confidence in this cost proposal within our overall Study Commission budget..
Among their principals, Working Ventures has the necessary survey, data and
analysis experience to support the quantitative public engagement tools we
identified in our community engagement plan. They also have facilitation
experience which will support our town hall style meetings, workshops, and
specific stakeholder outreach.
Our second candidate - Andrew Thomas - is clearly experienced in survey
development/design and data analysis. He has a strong academic background in public
policy. However, his proposal did not seem grounded in our existing communications,
engagement, and study plans. From his proposal and interview, I am unclear on his
ability to facilitate town hall style public meetings and his experience implementing
effective communications strategies to promote our events, surveys and other
activities.. Finally, I found his proposal to be missing a specific timeline and a clear cost
proposal. Even the cost proposal provided in his follow up materials was only a broad
range and didn’t include his specific compensation or other line item expenses.
Public comments in support of hiring Andrew Thomas all referenced the fact that he
lives in Helena and is a lawyer. These two qualifications were not among the required
criteria stated in the RFP.
As the elected study commissioners, I believe it is our role to communicate with our
community about this study, to engage the full spectrum of Bozeman residents, and to
provide the local knowledge the study needs to be grounded in, not the consultant.
Thank you for all the hard work leading this process. I appreciate the time and thought
that went into it. Let me know if you have any questions.
All the best,
Barb Cestero