Whitefish awards Vision Whitefish land-use contract to CZB LLC for $149,700

The Whitefish City Council voted unanimously Aug. 18 to authorize the city manager to negotiate a contract with CZB LLC to craft the land-use chapter of Vision Whitefish 2045. Planning staffer Dave told the council the city received 12 proposals and shortlisted four firms; a selection panel including a council appointee interviewed finalists and unanimously recommended CZB LLC. "Their bid for the contract was $149,700, which is on the low end of the submittals that we had," Dave said. Councilors asked about timing for related projects funded through HUD grant money, including a community wildfire protection plan and a possible transit study. Dave said the CWPP scope is drafted and that the transit study timing depends on cost estimates and available budget. The consultant team will provide public outreach; staff identified a kickoff public visioning session for Sept. 17 and a work session update scheduled for Sept. 15. The council discussed having the consultant present to the council in December, with the city to confirm the final schedule. Councilor Ben Bennett, who participated in interviews, said the selected firm "came to the top of everybody we talked to" and praised the firm's in-person capacity and timeline comfort. The council voted to award the contract and directed staff to finalize terms and begin work on the land-use chapter according to the project timeline.