College Park council awards $145,230 contract for comprehensive plan update

The College Park mayor and city council unanimously approved a $145,230 contract to Inspire Placemaking Collective Inc. to develop the city's 2026 comprehensive plan and strategic framework.

City staff presented the procurement results and recommended Inspire Placemaking after a competitive process. The scope the council approved covers land use, economic development, transportation, housing and community engagement; staff said the vendor was the most responsive proposer and met the RFP requirements.

Councilmembers emphasized the need for community engagement and for the strategic plan to be linked with budgeting. Councilmember Karn said the council must ensure the process reaches residents and communities that have been underserved by past plans; Councilmember Gay noted the selection was staff‑recommended after seven respondents and supported moving forward with the contract.

The contract was described as a budgeted municipal planning expense; staff identified the relevant GL account. Following brief discussion the council voted to approve the award without objection.

Next steps: staff will implement the procurement contract, begin outreach and incorporate the consultant’s schedule into upcoming budget planning and public workshops. The city manager and planning staff said they will coordinate consultant meetings with council and department heads to align the comp plan with the city’s strategic priorities.