Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Private Partnerships topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves RFP to seek owner's representative for public‑private partnership exploration
Summary
The commission voted to post a request for proposals for a professional owner's representative to explore public‑private partnership opportunities on city‑owned properties, with posting on MITN and an anticipated hiring timeline in early 2026.
The Birmingham City Commission on Oct. 6 approved posting a request for proposals (RFP) to hire a professional owner’s representative to explore public‑private partnership (P3) opportunities for city‑owned properties.
City staff said the RFP was revised after prior discussion to clarify that any selected consultant would represent the city exclusively, would follow the city’s code of ethics, would not solicit developers on the city’s behalf, and could not accept monetary compensation from developers in connection with proposals the consultant brought forward. The proposed engagement term is three years; the RFP will be posted on the Michigan Intergovernmental Trade Network (MITN) with responses due Nov. 21 and the city could hire a consultant as soon as January 2026 if the commission decides to proceed. Staff noted the expenditure was not budgeted in the current fiscal year and a budget amendment would be required if the commission hires a consultant.
Commissioners discussed potential project types that might result from P3 proposals, including redevelopment above public parking decks and the need to consider zoning and density changes for downtown locations. Commissioner Ballard said some proposals could seek heights above current D4 zoning in return for public benefit, and Commissioner Long emphasized the item was an exploratory step only with no property specifically identified for redevelopment at this time.
A member of the public recommended using a fixed‑fee contract instead of hourly billing for the representative; commissioners did not change the procurement method at the meeting. The motion to post the RFP and proceed with the procurement passed by roll call vote.
Why it matters: Hiring an owner's representative would provide technical analysis and recommendations on proposals that could alter downtown development, parking assets and long‑term property use. The process could lead to zoning implications requiring separate public review.
Next steps: The RFP will be posted; staff will return with award recommendations and any required budget amendments if the commission opts to hire a representative.
