Council authorized the city manager July 14 to enter a professional services agreement (PSA) with Walker Macy for up to $619,212 to advance the Federal Street Plaza project to 90 percent design, bidding and construction support.

City Manager Matthew Klebs summarized the project and the ad hoc committee process that has guided concept design. Klebs said Walker Macy's prior work on the concept phase and familiarity with stakeholders provides efficiency and cost savings compared with conducting a new full competitive selection. "Walker Macy is familiar with this project," Klebs said, and staff recommended findings that allow a direct continuation of services under the procurement rules for professional services.

Klebs said the fiscal year 2025‑26 budget includes a $4.9 million allocation for the project. The city has applied for an Oregon Parks and Recreation Department grant for $1 million and previously applied for a Travel Oregon grant for $150,000 that was not awarded; staff said the contract cost is included in the $4.9 million project allocation.

The council voted to adopt the proposed findings and authorize the city manager to execute the PSA. Councilor Dan Richardson, who served on the ad hoc committee, said he had been pleased with Walker Macy's work: "Walker Macy has been a pleasure to work with up to now." The motion carried unanimously.

Staff said property vacation documents for Federal Street have been shared with the urban renewal agency and the primary adjacent property owner and that execution of those documents is expected shortly. The project timeline in the PSA aims to coordinate plaza construction with the First Street streetscape efforts.