Specifications include, but are not limited to: develop a comprehensive strategic plan that will cover its work on the Stakeholder Engagement, Aurora Industry Strategy, the Emerging Technology Strategy, and the Talent Strategy. Performance of this work will require, but is not limited to, the following tasks: Background Research. The consultant will perform all research necessary to the develop the strategic plan, including but not limited to: Review of the business plans for each of the merging organizations. Interviews with key personnel from each of the merging organizations. Thorough economic data research with respect to the City of Aurora to develop a comprehensive picture of Aurora's economy. The consultant will use state of the art data sources and tools to uncover Aurora's industry strengths and weaknesses and analyze the industry clusters in which Aurora's businesses participate. Research the emerging technologies sector, with a particular emphasis on quantum computing and artificial intelligence, and Aurora's current participation within the sector. Stakeholder Engagement. The consultant will develop and execute an engagement plan that performs effective outreach to Aurora's business community. The engagement plan will be performed to determine the business community's expectations for the new organization and to identify the new organization's key priorities. The consultant will be expected to employ a variety of outreach activities, including, but not limited to, convening focus groups and designing and conducting surveys. In addition, the consultant will be expected to facilitate and lead a leadership retreat currently planned on November 6th, 2024 through November 7th, 2024 with key stakeholders within Aurora, IL. The successful candidate will be required to be available on those dates. The location of the leadership retreat will be within a 90-minute drive from Aurora, IL. Strategy, Analysis, and Recommendations. Based on its findings from its background research and stakeholder engagement, the consultant will develop its recommended economic development strategy together with supporting analysis. Such strategy and analysis should include the following: Identification of clear goals and objectives for the new organization based on consultant's engagement with the business community. Recommended strategies and business plan for the launch of the new organization, synthesizing consultant's analysis on the merging organizations' existing operations and the consultant's proposed goals and objectives for the new organization. Recommendations on the industry clusters and/or industries the City of Aurora should target with supporting analysis and research. Thorough analysis on Aurora's opportunities and challenges within the emerging technology sector, particularly with respect to quantum computing and artificial intelligence. Well-informed and nuanced analysis and recommendations for protecting the City of Aurora's businesses and workforce from potential risks imposed by artificial intelligence. Implementation Plan. The consultant will develop an implementation plan for achieving the recommended strategies and goals. Such plan must include: Detailed and specific proposals for new programs or initiatives necessary for achieving each of consultant's recommendations, strategies and goals, together with examples of similar programs/initiatives implemented in other cities, if available. Recommended revisions to existing programs/initiatives if necessary for alignment with goals.