Council approves contract award to PlaceWorks for Paradise 2045 General Plan update

Planning staff recommended awarding the contract to PlaceWorks to prepare the Town of Paradise 2045 General Plan and associated environmental review and zoning updates. Staff said PlaceWorks proposed a scope with substantial project hours and subconsultant support; the firm’s proposal was just under $2,000,000 and staff recommended a 10% contingency to set a not-to-exceed amount of $2,200,000 spread over four fiscal years.

‘‘PlaceWorks had, you know, just shy of a $2,000,000 budget…estimated completion would be September ’28,’’ staff said, noting the firm included two additional optional elements beyond the five required elements in the RFP. The competing firm, Sargent Town Planning, submitted a lower-hours proposal but staff highlighted PlaceWorks’ demonstrated experience with post‑disaster communities and additional project hours.

Council members pressed staff on timelines and penalties for missed milestones; staff said negotiation of firm timeframes and contract terms remains part of the award process and that the budget is already largely set aside in a special fund.

On a motion by Cullerton, seconded by Lasan, council concurred with staff’s recommendation and authorized the town manager to execute an agreement not to exceed $2,200,000. The vote was recorded in roll call and the motion passed.

Why it matters: A comprehensive general plan update — the first large-scale overhaul in decades — will drive land-use decisions, capital investments and zoning for many years; the contract includes an environmental review and future zoning consistency work.

What’s next: Staff will negotiate final contract terms (including delivery milestones) and begin a kickoff process with the consultant.