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City issues RFQ for South Town Center master plan; RFQ seeks EIS and planned action ordinance, $600,000 project budget
Summary
The city published a request for qualifications for a South Town Center subarea master plan that includes an environmental impact statement and a planned action ordinance. The RFQ closes Feb. 3, selection is expected Feb. 14, and staff estimate a total project budget of $600,000 and an April 2026 completion target.
Mill Creek staff told the Planning Commission on Jan. 16 that the city has published a request for qualifications (RFQ) for a master plan of the South Town Center subarea that will include an environmental impact statement (EIS) and a planned action ordinance.
Justin (planning staff) said the RFQ opened Jan. 2 and closes Feb. 3; staff expect to select a candidate on Feb. 14 and to have a contract approved by March 2025 so the work could begin in April. "We expect this to take about a year and some change," he said, adding staff are "hoping April 2026 is when we'll have completed project." Commission members were told the city set a total project budget of $600,000.
Scope and rationale: presenters said the scope includes a subarea master plan with urban design, a strong public participation program, an EIS that defines alternatives, impacts and mitigation measures, and a planned action ordinance intended to reduce development risk and speed redevelopment. Staff said the scope also now explicitly includes an economic development strategy for the business park area south of 164th Street to address concerns about local manufacturing and job growth.
Funding and procurement: staff said the project is being paid from city finances (general fund line item). When asked if federal funds were involved, Justin said, "No. This is all funded through ... city finances." He added there "might" be ARPA funds available but cautioned "don't quote me on that" because ARPA funding allocations have changed.
Selection criteria: the RFQ requests multidisciplinary teams (planning, urban design, civil and environmental engineering, transportation, architecture, communications, finance). Staff said evaluation will weigh firm qualifications, prior relevant EIS/master plan experience, local familiarity, and—most heavily—the proposer’s proposed approach to deliver the scope. The RFQ was advertised in the Everett Herald, Daily Journal of Commerce and American Planning Association.
Why it matters: staff described the South Town Center as a high‑priority redevelopment area that could provide housing capacity required for Growth Management Act compliance and serve as a regional gateway. Including an EIS and planned action ordinance is intended to reduce uncertainty for developers and stimulate reinvestment.
Next steps: RFQ submissions accepted by email until Feb. 3; staff expect to interview/score teams and bring a selection to council in March for contract approval. The project timeline, budget and scope will be refined during the consultant selection and contract negotiation phase.
