HomeMy WebLinkAboutB. Franks - Communication Strategist RecommendationFrom:Becky Franks
To:Jan Strout; Deanna Campbell; Carson Taylor; Barb Cestero
Cc:Mike Maas; Becky Franks
Subject:Communication Strategist Recommendation
Date:Saturday, July 26, 2025 3:30:39 PM
Hello fellow Study Commissioners,
After review of the RFP, interview presentations and public comment, I am recommending
Working Ventures for our Communication Strategist.
There were two candidates, Andrew Thomas and Working Ventures. The RFP criteria were
stated and posted as follows:
SCOPE OF SERVICES
1. Assist in the delivery of the following three goals: a. Educate ourselves and the community
to develop a comprehensive understanding of the City of Bozeman’s current structure,
Charter form, and the processes of local government. b. Conduct a transparent and inclusive
study process that engages the community in evaluating our current structures and identifying
any necessary changes. c. Engage the community in the local government study process using
a variety of methods to gather information regarding what’s working, what’s not working, and
ideas to explore to improve the City’s governance.
2. The strategy for community engagement are highlighted in the Communication Plan and the
Engagement Plan as posted on Plans & Report, Bozeman Study Commission
3. Must demonstrate expertise and competency to develop and implement community
surveys.
My decision is based on the following:
Working Ventures has a vast amount of experience in municipal governance,
community engagement and strategic development.
They have a full team who has experience and training to engage the community,
reconcile the voices and pull actionable information from the depth of gathered
voices
They spoke of their understanding of municipal laws, and the need to work within
the public eye in a transparent manner
The team has the experience and capacity to develop educational materials that
includes graphic design. This will help the different adult learners understand our
work.
One of their members specializes in developing, implementing and reconciling
surveys, turning the data into actionable information.
They will utilize our current assets and work in partnership – mentioning: our
website, Communication Plan, Engagement Plan, Study Plan and MSU
Government Center.
They provided a clear budget, which includes 4-5 visits to Bozeman, and a clear
timeline in which to complete the work.
Andrew Thomas is well educated and experienced in policy, surveys and research.
However:
His skills were limited in community engagement, municipal level governance
He did not present a clear budget and no timeline.
He was not aware of our current website, Communication Plan, Study Plan or
Engagement Plan.
I carefully read the public comment where I saw a lot of support for Andrew Thomas, however,
it was primarily based on his academic training as an attorney and that he lived in Montana.
Neither of these things were listed as criteria in the RFP, and his other skills were not adequate
for the position.
Respectfully,
Becky
Becky Franks, MA
Bozeman Study Commissioner
Becky Franks | LinkedIn