Title
Resolution to Authorize a Professional Services Agreement with Interface Studio LLC for Comprehensive Plan Services (RFP #22-73) ($699,110.00)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and consideration is a resolution authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with Interface Studio, LLC ("INTERFACE"), for $699,110.00 for Comprehensive Plan services.
As specified in the Michigan Planning Act, the purpose of a comprehensive plan is to guide development in a manner that: is coordinated, harmonious, efficient, and economical; considers character and suitability for uses, judged in trends in land and population development; and will promote public health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare.
The Planning Commission has recommended the development of a new comprehensive plan based in part on the following:
* The consolidated Land Use Element of the City Master Plan was adopted over a decade ago. While this Plan has been reviewed in an ongoing fashion, it has not evolved since adoption. The Land Use Element adoption relied primarily on recommendations made from the 1990 South Area Plan, the 1992 Central Area Plan, the 1995 West Area Plan, and the 2006 Northeast Area Plan. Today, the City's land use policies are based in analysis and community goals specified nearly 30+ years ago in some instances.
* The City has established new carbon neutrality goals via the A2 Zero Living Carbon Neutrality Plan, and the City's comprehensive plan should consider the appropriate incorporation of related land use policies.
* Over time, the City has adopted eight (8) current and active documents and 18 "resource documents." The combined volume of these plans make it difficult for residents, property owners, and boards and commissions to maintain a comprehensive understanding of City goals in the context of legislative recommendations and decisions.
* Affordability continues to become a more acute challenge for the City in supporting a diverse...
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