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Commission posts RFP for owner’s representative to explore public-private partnership opportunities
Summary
The commission approved an RFP seeking a professional owner's representative to evaluate potential public-private partnerships for city-owned properties, with commissioners debating possible zoning implications and project scope.
The Birmingham City Commission on Oct. 6 authorized staff to post a request for proposals (RFP) to hire a professional owner’s representative to explore public-private partnership (P3) opportunities on city-owned properties.
City staff said the consultant would be an exclusive representative of the city, prohibited from accepting developer compensation on deals they bring forward. The RFP sets a proposal due date of Nov. 21, with potential hiring in January 2026; the contract would be paid from hourly fees and would require a budget amendment if the commission chooses to hire a respondent not covered in the current fiscal year budget.
Commissioners discussed likely trade-offs should proposals request greater building height or density downtown. Mayor Pro Tem Ballard said some P3 proposals could ask for density above current D4 downtown zoning, and commissioners warned such proposals could require ordinance and zoning changes and extensive public engagement. Staff noted some flexibility for city-zoned public properties (PP) and existing Downtown Overlay negotiation provisions that allow height negotiation with the planning board.
Commissioner comments stressed this step is exploratory. “This is not slated for any particular city property,” Commissioner Long said. Commissioner Hague cautioned that any P3 touching zoning could be a multi-year process and that proposals may trigger a restart of the zoning-streamlining effort.
A motion to adopt a resolution approving posting the RFP carried unanimously on roll call.
Votes at a glance: the RFP posting motion passed on a roll-call vote with all commissioners recorded in favor.
