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Council recommends Urban Partners/MKSK for 10‑year downtown plan; ARC grant to cover half of cost
Summary
Staff recommended Urban Partners in association with MKSK to prepare an updated 10‑year downtown plan at a contract price of $196,264; staff told council 50% of the work will be funded by an Appalachian Regional Commission grant and the rest from contingency/general fund.
City staff recommended the consultant team Urban Partners in association with MKSK to prepare the next 10‑year downtown plan, telling the Mayor and Council that the team’s combination of economic analysis, placemaking experience and community‑engagement strategy best fit the project.
Staff said 13 proposals were received, narrowed to seven for interviews and then three finalists; Urban Partners/MKSK scored highest on team cohesion, economic analysis and a robust public‑engagement approach. The recommended contract price is $196,264. Staff noted that 50% of the cost is expected to be covered by an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant and that the remaining local share is available in the general fund contingency line item.
Timeline: staff said the work would likely start February 1 (proposed by consultant) and run roughly eight months, with a plan presentation expected in the fall for council consideration and to inform implementation next year.
Council asked staff to include funding sources in the motion record; staff agreed to include ARC grant and contingency line item details in the consent motion. Council members discussed the schedule and said they wanted to see key deliverables and community engagement milestones.
Ending: Staff will include funding line‑item details in the motion and bring a contract/consent item to the council for approval.
