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Mill Creek issues RFQ for South Town Center master plan, EIS and economic strategy
Summary
The city issued a request for qualifications on Jan. 2 seeking consultants to deliver a subarea master plan, environmental impact statement, planned action ordinance and economic development strategy for the South Town Center; staff plans to select a firm in February and bring a contract to council in March.
The City of Mill Creek has issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) to hire a consultant to prepare a South Town Center subarea master plan, an environmental impact statement (EIS), a planned‑action ordinance and an economic development strategy, City staff told the council on Jan. 14.
Community Development Director Ryan explained the RFQ was advertised Jan. 2 in the American Planning Association outlets, the Everett Herald and the Daily Journal of Commerce, with questions due Jan. 17 and submissions due Feb. 3. Staff plans to choose a firm by Feb. 14 and bring a negotiated contract to council in March.
Why it matters: staff said the city rezoned South Town Center during its recent comprehensive‑plan update and that completing a coordinated master plan, EIS and planned‑action ordinance will reduce uncertainty for developers and increase the chances of redevelopment that aligns with the city’s goals. The package also includes a focused economic strategy for the employment area south of the QFC to encourage business activity.
Scope and budget: the RFQ asks applicants to describe their approach to public participation, data‑driven policy recommendations and a marketing/implementation strategy on top of technical work. Director Ryan told council the city budgeted $600,000 for the master plan/EIS/planned action and related work in the current budget; staff said they will scope details with the selected consultant and may allocate the budget across the required studies.
Timing and deliverables: staff estimated consultant selection and contract approval in early spring and said the overall project will take about a year from contract execution; staff aims to have the work “buttoned up” around April next year. Council members asked about RFQ vs. RFP differences, whether the RFQ is too general, and how the city will use the consultant’s work to attract developers.
Staff response: Ryan and the city manager said the RFQ identifies qualifications and approach; more detailed scope and specific development standards will be refined with the selected consultant and through public engagement, planning commission review and council approval. Ryan said the effort is intended to “grease the skids” for redevelopment by reducing uncertainty for developers and creating code and infrastructure plans that support the city’s objectives.
