Chamber-led group asks council to fund Roger Brooks for updated downtown master plan; council discusses budget timing and matching funds

Rob Pilate, speaking for a grassroots group convened by the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce and community partners, presented a proposal to the council on March 17 to hire consultant Roger Brooks to lead a Downtown Master Development Plan update and to solicit an investment from the city of roughly $165,000–$168,000.

Pilate said the group’s research identified Brooks as a consultant who previously helped shape downtown Caldwell and whose community-engagement approach could help renew long-term momentum. Pilate asked the council for an investment commitment of $168,000 from this year’s budget to hire Brooks for a “Downtown Master Development Plan 2025.” He said the proposal would complement, not replace, work already completed by city staff and would provide input on the North End and potential urban-renewal priorities.

Council members asked several budget and process questions. City staff (Raelynn North) told the council that planning and public-works departments and some general-fund savings could make funding available in the current fiscal year or the council could budget it in FY26 (work would not start until October if delayed). North also said the city had identified matching funds from Destination Caldwell and department fee accounts that could be used.

Pilate and other presenters later clarified the figures: the group initially requested $168,000; the figure later cited by staff and presenters was $165,000 total, including matching funds. Pilate and Denae Warren (Destination Caldwell, present with the group) indicated the Destination Caldwell board expects to contribute approximately $50,000. City staff provided a proposed funding mix during the discussion that included roughly $30,000 from the general fund and about $50,000 already budgeted in fee-based planning accounts; not all city share numbers were finalized in the meeting.

Councilors raised fiscal concerns tied to a recent state sales-tax forecast shortfall. Councilor Williams cited updated state projections showing weaker-than-expected sales tax receipts and urged caution. Other councilors urged preserving momentum: some members recalled prior downtown revitalization work and said a timely consultant engagement could leverage private support. Pilate said Brooks would accept phased payments tied to milestones and that the project was expected to take roughly eight to ten months. That timeline, Pilate said, would allow the city to pay in phases across two budget years if council preferred.

Destination Caldwell’s director (Denae Warren) told the council the organization’s board likely would provide $50,000 in support but said a final commitment would require board action. Several councilors said they supported bringing Brooks back and asked staff to return with a recommendation and proposed budget allocations.

Ending: The council did not take final action on funding at the March 17 meeting; staff and Pilate agreed to follow up with budget details and a proposed contract structure to present at a future council meeting.