Committee approves $34,800 public‑engagement contract for Downtown Riverfront study

The Planning and Development Committee voted to approve a professional services agreement to hire Altogether — an Evanston‑based public‑engagement firm — to run a two‑step outreach program for the city‑owned Downtown Riverfront property (the former police‑department site).

Staff described a two‑phase process: step one includes an in‑person event and an online survey to test the feasibility study options and solicit broad feedback; step two would present refined preferred‑use concepts and ask detailed questions about features such as pavilions, band shells, parking retention and which portions of the existing building to retain. “The maximum fee for this would be $34,800,” staff told the committee.

Why it matters: the former PD site is publicly owned and city leaders have said they want substantive resident input before advancing design or redevelopment options. Staff said the engagement period would likely run from January through April and that deliverables and engagement summaries would be presented to staff and council for next steps.

Council reaction and vote: several members asked about expected participation benchmarks and outreach methods; staff confirmed outreach materials and printing costs are included in the fee. A motion by Weber, seconded by Spellman, proceeded to roll call and the motion passed on recorded affirmative votes.

Next step: staff will execute the agreement and start the outreach campaign in early 2025; results will be returned to city council and staff for later steps in the decision process.