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Blue Lake council authorizes negotiations with Plan West Partners for 7th‑cycle housing element
Summary
Council authorized the city manager to negotiate with Plan West Partners to prepare Blue Lake’s 7th‑cycle housing element, citing Plan West’s proposed senior‑staff commitment and stakeholder outreach; staff said three proposals were received and funding will come largely from the general fund.
The Blue Lake City Council unanimously authorized the city manager on Feb. 24 to negotiate a professional services agreement with Plan West Partners to lead the city’s 7th‑cycle housing element update.
Gary, a city staff presenter, said the city received three proposals and used advertised review criteria (experience, senior‑staff commitment, responsiveness and public stakeholder participation) to rank firms. "PlaceWorks was the most experienced firm," Gary said, "but staff is recommending that the city go with Plan West Partners" primarily because Plan West proposed a greater commitment of senior staff and a more robust public stakeholder process. Gary also told the council the housing element must be completed by July 2027 and the city needs a consultant under contract by the end of March to stay on schedule.
Staff reported $26,000 in planning expenses to date and said the FY2526 budget included $40,000 for work through June 30; staff estimated the remaining cost to finish the scope would need to be budgeted from the city’s general fund. The council discussed tradeoffs among cost, local knowledge and available senior hours; a Plan West principal, Vanessa Blodgett, told council, "We know Blue Lake, and we are looking forward to hopefully working with the city and the community." After public comment — including requests to consider local firms — council member Scafani moved to authorize negotiations; the motion passed unanimously.
Next steps: staff will complete the 7‑day protest period after notice of intent to award, then the city manager will begin negotiated contract terms with Plan West Partners. The contract amount will be finalized in negotiation and could change from the RFP cost estimates.
