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AGENDA
AGENDA OF THE SPECIAL SESSION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BISBEE, COUNTY OF COCHISE, AND STATE OF ARIZONA, TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY,
FEBRUARY 24, 2026, AT 5:30 PM IN THE CITY OF BISBEE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 118
ARIZONA STREET, BISBEE, ARIZONA.
THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY AT
ROLL CALL
COUNCIL
Councilmember Karen Schumacher, Ward I
Councilmember Pete Skinner, Ward II
Councilmember Trish Damon, Ward III
Mayor Ken Budge
Councilmember Anna Cline, Ward III, Mayor Pro
Tempore Councilmember Mel Sowid, Ward II
Councilmember Lori Reynolds, Ward I
STAFF
Ashlee Coronado, Interim City Manager/ City Clerk
Keri Bagley, Finance Director
VACANT, Personnel Director
Matthew Gurney, PublicWorks
Director
Logan Dodd, Operations Manager
Tim Cox, Police Chief
JayRitchie,Deputy Police
Chief Jim Richardson, Fire
Chief
CITY ATTORNEY
Joseph Estes
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WILL BE DISCUSSED AND/ OR CONSIDERED AT THESE MEETINGS:
1. Discussion and Possible Approval ofthe Request for Proposals for the City' s
Destination Marketing Organization( DMO).
Ken Budge, Mayor
ADJOURNMENT:
Pursuant toA.R.S.§ 38-431.02(H), The public will have physical access toCouncil Chambers 20 minutes before the meeting isscheduled
to begin.
Individuals with hearing disabilities can contact the City Clerk' sOffice( 520) 432- 6012 to request an Assisted Listening Device, at least 24
hours before the meeting.
Anyone needing special accommodation toattend this meeting should contact Ashlee Coronado at(520) 432-6012 atleast twenty-four
hours before the meeting.
Public documents referred toherein may beviewed during regular business hours at theCity Clerk'sOffice at 118 Arizona St, Bisbee.
Pursuant toA.R.S.§ 38-431.03(AX3), the Council may vote toenter executive session atanypoint during this meeting fordiscussion or
consultationforlegal advice with its attorney(s), who may appeartelephonically.

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I-
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER—
oigISBEE
COREQUEST
FOR MAYOR & COUNCIL ACTION
Session of: February 24, 2026
Regular ® Special
DATE ACTION SUBMITTED: February 19, 2026
REGULAR ® CONSENT
TYPE OF ACTION:
RESOLUTION ORDINANCE FORMAL ACTION ® OTHER
SUBJECT: Discussion and Possible Approval of the Request for Proposals for the City' s
Destination Marketing Organization ( DMO).
FROM: Ken Budge, Mayor
RECOMMENDATION: Approve
PROPOSED MOTION: I move to Approve the Request for Proposals for the City' s Destination
Marketing Organization ( DMO).
DISCUSSION:
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A
DEPARTMENT LINE- ITEM ACCOUNT: N/A
BALANCE IN LINE ITEM IF APPROVED: N/A
114140 1A/( 12giaL:L1ll1IAReviewed
Prepared by: ‘ by:
Nina Williams, Ashlee Coronado,
Deputy City Clerk Interim City Manager

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NOTICE OF SOLICITATION
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
CITY OF BISBEE
1. Introduction
The City of Bisbee is requesting Proposals (hereinafter referred to as “RFP”) from qualified firms
with demonstrated expertise in tourism promotion to serve as the City’s Destination Marketing
Organization (“DMO”). The selected firm will provide comprehensive services to develop and
implement a Tourism Marketing Program that increases visitation, enhances Bisbee’s reputation as
a premier cultural and historic destination, and supports local businesses and complies with all of
the DMO requirements established by the Arizona Office of Tourism (“AOT”).
2. Schedule of Events
Solicitation Issued: TBD
Submittal Due Date: TBD
Interviews/Selection: TBD
Submittal Location: City Clerk, City of Bisbee,
City Hall 118 Arizona Street
Bisbee, AZ 85603
3. Nature of the Project
The City of Bisbee seeks a partner to design and execute a multi-channel tourism marketing
strategy and serve as the City’s DMO. A DMO is defined as a not-for-profit organization or
governmental unit that is responsible for the tourism promotion and marketing of a destination on
a year-round basis. The program will highlight Bisbee’s arts, culture, history, and unique character
to attract diverse audiences regionally, nationally, and internationally. Deliverables include
branding, advertising, digital campaigns, public relations, and measurable visitor engagement
initiatives. The primary objective is to drive overnight visitation and economic activity by
positioning Bisbee as a premier destination for arts, culture, history, and outdoor recreation by
attracting diverse audiences regionally, nationally, and internationally. Familiarity with Bisbee
and Arizona markets, particularly rural tourism driven communities, is strongly preferred.
4. Preparation of Proposal
4.1 It is the responsibility of the Proposer to examine the entire solicitation and to seek
clarification of any requirement that may not be clear. The solicitation includes the City
of Bisbee’s “Standard Terms and Conditions” and any “Special Terms and Conditions”
for this contract, both of which will be incorporated into any Contract between the City
and the Proposer.
4.2 The City will not reimburse any costs associated with preparing or submitting a proposal.
All materials and documents submitted in response become the property of the City and
will not be returned.
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4.3 A proposal that is submitted to the City becomes public record and may be subject to
disclosure following the award of a contract under this solicitation. If the Proposer
believes that any information included in the proposal should remain confidential, the
Proposer must specifically identify that information and its reasons. In the event of any
public request for this information, the City will provide the Proposer with notice of this request
and a reasonable opportunity to obtain a court order, at the Proposer’s sole expense, protecting
this information from release prior to making it available.
4.4 The specifications stated in this solicitation are the minimum level required. All
proposals submitted must be for products or services that meet or exceed the minimum
level of all such specifications.
5. Submission of the Proposal
5.1 Sealed proposals must be in the actual possession of the City Clerk on or prior to the exact
time and date indicated in the Schedule of Events. Late proposals will not be considered.
5.2 Sealed proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope or container with the following
information clearly indicated on the outside:
a. Name of the Solicitation, as indicated by the City.
b. Name, phone number, and address of the Proposer
5.3 Three (3) copies of the proposal shall be submitted in writing, by a paper document that
is printed, typed or in ink. Any substitute for any document forms provided with this
Notice must be legible and contain the same information requested by any such form.
5.4 Hard copy proposals are preferred; however, proposals may be submitted electronically
as long as they comply with the written proposal and deadline submission requirements.
Please contact the City Clerk for details on electronic submissions.
5.5 A proposal may be withdrawn upon the submission of a written signed request submitted
by the Proposer prior to the due date and time. A proposal may not be amended or
withdrawn after the due date and time.
5.6 The evaluation criteria and relative weights for determining the scoring of proposals are
as follows:
CRITERIA MAXIMUM
SCORE
Qualifications and Experience 30
(Proven track record in increasing destination
visitation)
Methodology & Approach 30
(Creativity and feasibility of the proposed strategic
plan)
10
Proximity and Familiarity with Bisbee
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Cost Proposal 20
(Detailed breakdown of fees, including media
markups)
References 10
(Quality of previous work and client satisfaction)
Total Maximum Points 100
6. Requirements for Proposal Evaluation
The proposal should be organized in a format that promotes the clear evaluation of the RFP criteria.
The proposal generally should follow the outline below so that it can be easily evaluated during the
selection process. Responses should be prepared simply and economically, providing a
straightforward and concise description of the Proposer’s capabilities to satisfy the requirements of
this request.
6.1. Proposal Summary
a. Provide summary information including identification of the Proposer team and table of
contents.
6.2. Proposer Qualifications and Experience
a. Provide an overview that highlights key qualifications, job responsibilities and
experience of the proposer, or proposal team.
b. Familiarity with the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) Cooperative Marketing Program
and rural tourism strategies.
c. Describe a minimum of 3 completed projects completed in the last five (5) years,
comparable to the requested Marketing Services, including scope, outcomes, project
team, and client reference.
d. Identify key personnel who will contribute to the project and their respective
qualifications and responsibilities.
e. Ability to provide a dedicated account manager and “turnkey” services including
graphic design and media buying.
6.3. Project Understanding & Schedule
a. Describe and demonstrate proposer’s clear understanding of the goals and requirements
associated with providing the services.
b. Identify tasks to be performed for the project within each phase and the associated
project deliverables.
c. Present the assumptions on which the proposal level of effort for completing the project
is based.
d. Identify any tasks that must be accomplished in person, discuss your experience
delivering services remotely, and identify the tools you recommend for maximizing the
effectiveness of remote meetings.
e. Identify potential challenges and/or concerns and how the proposer intends to address
them.
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6.4. Fee Schedule
a. Provide a fee schedule for all services proposed that reflects direct labor hours for any
contributing team members, travel costs, and overhead that are summed into a total
proposed fixed fee.
b. Describe the proposer’s ability and methods to manage the project schedule and budget
throughout all phases of the project.
6.5. Required Coverage
a. Commercial General Liability
i. The proposer shall maintain Commercial General Liability insurance with a
limit of not less than $1,000,000 for each occurrence with a $1,000,000
Products/Completed Operations Aggregate and a $1,000,000 General
Aggregate Limit. The policy shall include coverage for bodily injury, broad
form property damage, personal injury, products and completed operations and
blanket contractual coverage including, but not limited to, the liability
assumed under the indemnification provisions of the contract which coverage
will be at least as broad as Insurance Service Office, Inc. Policy Form CG
00011093 or any replacements thereof. The coverages shall not exclude
X,C,U. Such policy shall contain a severability of interest provisions, and shall
not contain a sunset provision or commutation clause, nor any provision which
would serve to limit third party action over claims.
b. Workers Compensation
i. The Proposer shall carry Worker's Compensation insurance to cover
obligations imposed by federal and state statutes having jurisdiction of their
employees engaged in the performance of the work or services; and,
Employer's Liability insurance of not less that $100,000 for each accident,
$100,000 for each employee, and $500,000 disease policy limit.
c. Certificate of Insurance
i. Prior to commencing work or services under the contract, the Proposer shall
furnish the City with Certificates of Insurance, or formal endorsements as
required by the contract, issued by the Proposer’s insurer(s), as evidence that
policies providing the required coverages, conditions and limits required by the
contract are in full force and effect.
ii. In the event any insurance policy(ices) required by the contract is (are) written
on a "claims made" basis, coverage shall extend for two years past completion
and acceptance of the Proposer's work or services and as evidenced by annual
Certificates of Insurance.
iii. If a policy does expire during the life of the contract, a renewal certificate
must be sent to the City fifteen (15) days prior to the expiration date.
6.6. Cancellation and Expiration Notice
a. Insurance required herein shall not expire, be canceled, or materially changed without thirty
(30) days prior written notice to the City
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7. City of Bisbee Contact
All communications and questions concerning this solicitation must be directed to Amanda Bramel,
at 520-432-6000, abramel@bisbeeaz.gov.
8. Offers
After the initial receipt and evaluation of proposals, discussions may be conducted with respondents
who submit proposals determined to be the most responsive, which most closely meet the
requirements of the Statement of Work, and which are the candidates most likely to be selected for
award. The City, at its option, may request best and final offers from a selected proposer(s) regarding
the Statement of Work and/or fees.
9. Award of Contract
9.1 The City reserves the right to waive any immaterial defect or informality in a proposal;
to reject any or all submittals or portions thereof; to reissue this Notice; and to award a
Contract on a partial basis, if in the best interests of the City.
10. Certification
10.1 By signing and submitting this proposal, the Proposer certifies that this submission did
not involve any collusion or other anti-competitive practice; that the Proposer will not
discriminate against any employee, applicant or customer in violation of applicable state
and federal law, and that the Proposer has not given, offered to give and will not give any
economic opportunity, future employment, gift, loan, gratuity, trip, favor or discount to
any City employee or official in connection with this RFP.
10.2 The Proposer further certifies that the individual signing this proposal has the authority
to make a binding legal commitment on behalf of the Proposer to perform and deliver
everything that is required in connection with this RFP. Unless otherwise stated in the
Contract Documents, the Offer shall be effective for a period of ninety (90) days.
10.3 The City Manager shall recommend to the City Council that the contract be awarded to
the responsible respondent whose proposal is most advantageous to the City, based on
the evaluation criteria listed above. The final decision shall be made by the City Council.
11. Grievance Procedure
Protests shall be submitted in writing to: Ashlee Coronado, Interim City Manager, City of Bisbee,
118 Arizona Street, Bisbee, AZ, 85603, phone (520) 432-6000 within 72 hours of bid award.
Protests must contain at a minimum the name, address and telephone number of the protester, the
signature of the protester or its representative with authority to sign; a detailed statement of the legal
and factual grounds of the protest including copies of relevant data; and the form of relief
requested. Within 15 days of receipt, and after consultation with legal counsel, or others, the City
will respond to the protest. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals; to waive
irregularities or information in any proposal; to re-advertise for proposals; and/or to take any steps
determined prudent, in order to resolve the protest.
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SPECIFICATIONS, SCOPE OF WORK OR REQUIREMENTS
12. Introduction
Located 90 miles southeast of Tucson on Historic Arizona Highway 80, Bisbee is tucked in the
Mule Mountains at 5,538 feet of elevation (1,687 meters) making it the southernmost higher-than-
a-mile city in the United States. Bisbee serves as the county seat of Cochise County, Arizona’s
eighth-largest county covering almost 6,200 square miles in the southeastern corner of the Grand
Canyon State.
Bisbee quickly grew as an urban center driven by a booming mining industry that thrived on the
area’s rich reserves of copper, silver, gold, zinc, lead, and manganese. With a population of more
than 20,000 in 1910, Bisbee was one of the most cultured cities in the West.
It remains home to the historic Warren Ballpark, arguably the nation’s first ballfield, and to
Turquoise Park in Naco, which was the State’s first golf course. Today, with residents numbering
around 5,000, Bisbee’s welcoming spirit offers visitors a rich mix of art, music, architecture, outdoor
activities, shopping, dining, unique hospitality, and nightlife.
Bisbee is a city in the Mule Mountains of southeast Arizona. The Bisbee Mining & Historical
Museum and the Bisbee Restoration Museum chronicle the city’s copper-mining past. The vast
Copper Queen Mine offers guided, hour-long tours daily. The grand Muheim Heritage House
Museum has 19th-century furniture, gardens, and mountain views.
Destination Profile: The Bisbee Experience
The following is an example of a foundational narrative for proposals.
Location & Geography:
Located 90 miles southeast of Tucson on Historic Arizona Highway 80, Bisbee is tucked into the
Mule Mountains at an elevation of 5,538 feet. This high-altitude setting makes it the southernmost
“higher-than-a-mile” city in the United States, offering a cooler climate and dramatic mountain
vistas that distinguish it from the desert floor.
Historical Significance:
As the county seat of Cochise County, Bisbee’s identity is rooted in its legacy as a booming 19th-
century urban center. Once one of the most cultured and populated cities in the American West, it
was built on rich reserves of copper, silver, and gold. Today, this history is preserved through:
· The Copper Queen Mine: Offering daily underground tours that chronicle the city’s industrial
roots.
· The Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum: A Smithsonian Affiliate that anchors the
downtown’s historical narrative.
· Architectural Heritage: Including the Muheim Heritage House Museum and
the Historic Warren Ballpark, arguably the nation’s first multi-sport ballfield.
Current Spirit & Culture:
Modern Bisbee has evolved from a mining camp into a vibrant, eclectic community. With a
population of approximately 5,000, the city is defined by a “welcoming spirit” and a diverse cultural
landscape that includes:
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· The Arts: A thriving colony of galleries, studios, and street art.
· Architecture & Walkability: Well-preserved 19th-century Victorian and European-style
architecture, steep stairways, and winding streets.
· Hospitality & Lifestyle: A rich mix of boutique shopping, chef-driven dining, unique
hospitality (from historic hotels to vintage trailers), and a legendary nightlife and music scene.
· Outdoor Recreation: Hiking in the Mule Mountains, birding in nearby canyons, mountain
biking, exploring the stairways and views from Historic Downtown Bisbee.
Targeted Marketing:
The following specific focus areas should be incorporated in proposal:
· Heritage Tourism Integration: Marketing efforts must leverage Bisbee’s status as a “living
museum.” Proposers should outline how they will promote the Bisbee Mining & Historical
Museum and the Copper Queen Mine Tours to history-oriented travelers.
· Geographic Positioning: Campaigns should highlight Bisbee’s elevation as a “cool summer
getaway” for residents in the Tucson and Phoenix metro areas.
· Cultural Event Support: Develop strategies to market Bisbee’s unique local events that
celebrate its music and art scenes, ensuring these events translate into multi-day stays.
· Sustainable “Appreciate AZ” Promotion: Given the sensitive mountain environment and
historic architecture, marketing must promote responsible tourism that respects the local
community and landscape.
Key Messaging Pillars for Proposers
Proposals should demonstrate how they will communicate the following “Bisbee Pillars” to a global
audience:
1. History: The Copper Queen Mine and the Smithsonian-affiliated museums.
2. Creativity: The arts, music, and “free-spirited” local culture.
3. Elevation: The high-altitude climate and the beauty of the Mule Mountains.
4. Authenticity: The unique architecture, local dining, and independent shopping (no “big box”
feel).
5.Outdoor Recreation:
Reference Resources for Proposers
To assist in proposal development, applicants are encouraged to review:
· Discover Bisbee (Official Tourism Site)
· The City of Bisbee Official Website
· Arizona Office of Tourism - Bisbee Profile
13. Scope of Work
The City of Bisbee seeks a qualified Vendor to provide professional marketing and tourism promotion
services for the City’s DMO program. The ideal Vendor shall have knowledge and experience with
Arizona markets, particularly rural tourism driven communities. The DMO will promote the City’s
tourism objectives and generate economic activity through effective marketing of the City of Bisbee. The
Vendor shall furnish all labor, materials, supervision, and expertise necessary to perform the services
described below.
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1. General Requirements
• Perform all DMO services in accordance with accepted professional marketing standards.
• Coordinate all work through the City’s designated representative.
• Obtain City approval prior to public release of any materials.
• All work products shall become the property of the City of Bisbee.
• Establish specific goals and objectives for DMO services, to be approved by the City
Council on an annual basis.
2. Marketing, Strategic Planning & Branding
• Develop and implement an annual tourism marketing plan.
• Identify priority visitor markets and target audiences.
• Develop seasonal, event-based, and thematic campaigns.
• Generate promotional events, produce marketing content, and execute targeted advertising
campaigns to attract visitors to the City of Bisbee and generate overnight visitation.
• Promote a robust calendar of events to attract visitors throughout the year, especially
during slower season periods.
• Develop a year-round strategic plan that aligns with the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT)
guidelines and local economic goals.
• Refine or maintain a cohesive brand voice that highlights Bisbee’s “welcoming spirit” and
eclectic mix of art, music, and nightlife.
• Identify and target key demographics, including history enthusiasts, “Appreciate AZ”
outdoor stewards, and regional travelers from Tucson and Phoenix.
3. Digital, Website & Statewide Tourism Coordination
• Plan, manage, and optimize paid digital advertising campaigns.
• Manage and market a DMO website, including content updates, and provide annual
reporting to the AOT on the website.
• Redesign or update the official tourism website to enhance user experience, including
mobile optimization and SEO.
• Execute targeted digital, print, and social media advertising campaigns.
• Manage media relations, including proactive pitching to travel journalists and
coordinating familiarization (FAM) tours.
• Perform search engine optimization (SEO) and create campaign landing pages.
• Monitor website analytics and recommend improvements.
• Coordinate marketing efforts and campaigns with the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT),
as directed by the City, to leverage statewide tourism initiatives and opportunities.
4. Branding, Creative & Content
• Maintain Bisbee branding standards across all platforms.
• Develop creative concepts, messaging, and marketing materials.
• Provide graphic design and coordinate photography/video as approved.
5. Social Media, Email & Public Relations
• Establish and manage social media content and engagement on City-approved platforms
and provide annual updates to AOT on the social media content.
• Develop and distribute email newsletters and promotions.
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• Prepare press releases and support earned media outreach.
6. Reporting & Coordination
• Provide monthly written performance reports including analytics and results.
• Attend meetings with City staff as requested.
• Coordinate with City departments, local partners, and state tourism agencies as directed.
• Establish key performance indicators (“KPIs”) to measure the success of its marketing
efforts, which may include metrics such as website traffic, social media engagement,
visitor numbers, and lodging tax collections.
• Establish and maintain a dedicated tourism marketing budget, submitted to the City and
AOT annually.
• Submit all required documentation to the AOT to maintain official DMO status.
• Provide the City Council with quarterly and annual reports detailing all DMO activities,
budget expenditures, KPIs, and progress towards the DMO’s goals and objectives.
7. Deliverables
At a minimum, the Vendor shall provide:
• Annual marketing plan
• Monthly performance reports
• Approved creative and marketing materials
• Website content and campaign documentation
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OFFER
TO THE CITY OF BISBEE:
The undersigned hereby offers and agrees to furnish the services requested in compliance with all of the
terms, conditions, specifications, and other descriptions of the work associated with this RFP. The
Proposer certifies that he or she has read, understands and will fully and faithfully comply with this
Contract, its attachments and any referenced documents.
Authorized Signature Date
Printed Name and Title
Company Name
Address
City, State and Zip Code
Telephone Number(s)
Company’s Fax Number
Email Address
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ACCEPTANCE OF OFFER NOTICE OF AWARD
The Offer is hereby accepted by the City of Bisbee. This document shall also constitute notice of award
of this Contract to the Proposer.
The Proposer is now bound to provide the services identified in this RFP, subject to all terms, conditions,
specifications, amendments, and other associated documents and the Offer.
This Proposer shall henceforth be referred to as Contract for Recruitment Services. The Proposer has
been cautioned not to commence any billable work or to provide any materials or services under this
Contract until the Proposer receives a formal notice to proceed from the City of Bisbee.
City of Bisbee
By Date:
Title
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