Planning Board directs staff to post 2050 master‑plan RFP, schedules public input in December

Concord staff on Nov. 19 presented a draft Request for Proposals for a comprehensive city master plan (branded the "2050 Master Plan") and the Planning Board directed staff to publish the RFP with an opportunity for public feedback and a board discussion planned for Dec. 17.

Deputy City Manager Walsh described a prescriptive scope intended to guide consultants through data collection, public participation and a 14‑chapter plan. The public‑participation program includes neighborhood forums across Concord’s six primary neighborhoods, a citywide survey translated into multiple languages, stakeholder focus groups on housing, economic development and new Americans, and a project website with social‑media outreach. Walsh outlined a schedule that would select a consultant in February, conduct data collection and outreach in 2026, and aim for a final plan in January 2028.

Board considerations and direction: Members asked for clarity on chapter integration to avoid siloed recommendations, recommended including the Chamber of Commerce and regional partners in stakeholder outreach, and discussed using AI tools to help synthesize public feedback. Several board members urged language in the RFP to encourage creative, innovative consultant proposals and flexibility in the approach; staff agreed to emphasize those points in the proposal-preparation section and to host a pre‑proposal meeting for interested consultants.

Public process timing and next steps: The board agreed staff should post the RFP in early December, solicit written public input with a deadline in mid‑December, and hold a focused public discussion at the Dec. 17 meeting with a 6:30 p.m. start to accommodate participation. Staff will consider addenda to the RFP if material public comments warrant adjustments before final posting.