Commission authorizes Plante Moran RealPoint to advise on public‑private partnerships

The Birmingham City Commission voted to engage Plante Moran RealPoint as its professional owners representative to explore public‑private partnership (P3) opportunities.

City staff said the RFP produced 11 responses and an internal committee recommended Plante Moran RealPoint based on experience and references. Plante Moran presenters described a five‑step approach: project mission and evaluation criteria, an initial litmus test, a deeper financial and legal due diligence phase, partner selection and negotiation, and drafting a development or operating agreement.

Plante Moran representatives said their work includes assessing legal, market and physical constraints, modeling pro formas, and advising on potential zoning or financing issues. The firm also said it can evaluate purely operating partnerships (for example, an operator to run a city facility) as well as full development arrangements.

Commissioners asked whether the firm could be conflicted because Plante Moran provides accounting and audit services; legal counsel reviewed the matter and advised there was no conflict with the personnel assigned. Commissioners also pressed Plante Moran on how it would require developer financial skin in a deal to reduce risk to the city.

The commission approved a three‑year agreement by vote. Funding will be charged to other contractual services accounts as projects arise and will be covered by subsequent budget amendments when necessary.

Next steps: staff to finalize the agreement documents and, as proposals come to the city, Plante Moran will be available to perform evaluations and, if directed, more detailed due diligence.