Title
Resolution to Approve a Cost Share Agreement with the City Parks Department for a Farmers Market Visioning Study.
Memorandum
DDA staff recommends a $248,000 cost-share commitment to the Farmers Market Visioning & Engagement Effort led by the City Parks Department. A Farmers Market study and potential building and site improvements ranked high in the DDA Development Plan. As a result, it was included as a planned project for phase 1 implementation (2026 - 2035). The visioning and engagement outcome should serve as a basis for strategic investments in design and capital infrastructure at the Farmers Market.
Background
In 2024, the Kerrytown market and restroom building was condemned due to a compromised foundation; demolition followed in 2025. The City Parks Department issued RFP #26-18 in April 2026 for consulting services to develop and implement a visioning and public engagement process for the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. Fifteen (15) proposals were received. A selection committee comprised of Parks & Recreation and DDA staff reviewed and scored the proposals. Market Ventures, Inc. received the highest proposal score and is the recommended service provider.
Next Steps
If approved by City Council, the City Parks Department will lead the effort and enter into an agreement with Market Ventures. To support the effort, DDA staff recommends a cost share agreement with the City Parks Department. Staff estimates the process will run for approximately twelve (12) months, likely starting in January 2027.
Scope of Work
At a minimum, the Market Ventures engagement and visioning process will:
(1) Establish background & context
(2) Assess the Farmers Market’s current infrastructure, amenities, operations, and programming
(3) Identify priorities for the future
(4) Synthesize and summarize options for the future of the Farmers Market
(5) Engage the community and stakeholders
Budget/Fiscal Impact
The DDA’s portion of the cost allocation for this contract is an estimated $248,000 (59.5%) of the $416,829 contract. The City Parks Department will contract with the consultant, with reimbursement from the DDA. The funding capacity for this contract is included in the approved DDA capital budget.
Body
Whereas, The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority’s (“DDA”) 2026-2055 Development Plan identified Farmers Market Improvements as a priority;
Whereas, Market Ventures Inc. was selected via a competitive request for proposals (RFP #26-18) to support the City’s visioning and public engagement process for the Ann Arbor Farmers Market;
Whereas, To partner on implementation, it is now necessary to enter into a cost share agreement with the City of Ann Arbor;
Whereas, Funding for the project is included in the approved capital budget of the DDA TIF Fund;
RESOLVED, That the DDA Board approves a cost share agreement with the City of Ann Arbor for $248,000, including a $23,000 contingency, from the DDA TIF Fund;
RESOLVED, That the DDA Executive Director be authorized and directed to execute said agreement after approval as to form by the DDA Attorney;
RESOLVED, That the Executive Director be authorized to take necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.