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Utica council hires Plante Moran to study downtown revitalization, votes pass over mayor’s ‘no’
Summary
Council voted to engage Plante Moran for an $18,000 (cap referenced in packet) downtown services study to identify revenue and cost-saving opportunities; the mayor opposed the motion but it passed after council debated timing and urged the firm to hold pricing until after budget season.
Utica City Council on Nov. 11 voted to engage consultancy Plante Moran to conduct a downtown services and financing study intended to identify revenue-generating opportunities and cost-containment measures to support downtown revitalization. The motion passed by majority vote; Mayor Calandrino opposed the measure.
The presentation by a Plante Moran consultant described a scope of work that would review the city’s budget, liabilities and potential revenue sources, and recommend options such as relocating non–revenue-generating municipal offices to free up prime downtown property. Council members repeatedly framed the study as a step toward making targeted investments that could attract private development rather than waiting on outside actors.
Council members asked Plante Moran to hold its proposed price through July 1, 2026, when the city’s next fiscal year would start, and to coordinate with the city attorney for contract review. Several members urged waiting until the budget process is underway to finalize any work that would involve city funds; supporters said completing the consultant’s analysis in 60–90 days would give the council time to review results during the budget cycle.
The motion was made by a council member who said the study’s cost would be money well spent to spur long-term economic growth, and it was seconded and approved by roll call. The mayor voted no. Council and staff agreed legal review is required before finalizing any contract and asked Plante Moran for a Word version of the packet contract for review.
The council directed staff to follow up with Plante Moran and the city attorney, and to return to council with any final contract once legal review is complete.
