Panama City commissioners push for formal process to manage unsolicited offers and spur affordable housing

Panama City commissioners and staff on a virtual workshop Thursday discussed formalizing how the city handles unsolicited offers and requests for proposals (RFPs) for city‑owned parcels, aiming to protect offerors, increase transparency and use land to advance affordable housing and neighborhood goals.

Commissioner Hughes introduced the proposal, arguing ‘‘No matter how it’s being bought, there should be a process for both,’’ and urged a sealed or ‘‘blind’’ initial period for unsolicited offers so private proponents have the same protections as public RFP respondents. Hughes recommended clear front‑end rules about allowable uses, fixed due‑diligence windows and standard contract forms to reduce uncertainty for staff and buyers.

The commission heard from Sean Self, the city’s logistics director who oversees purchasing, that RFPs can be structured with specific parameters and are typically sealed for 30 days before a public…