Category: 
RFP


Location: Grand Rapids, MI

GR Forward Plan Update

Full RFP: https://downtowngr.org/our-work/projects/gr-forward

Closing: August 29, 2025 by 5pm eastern

Overview
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) seeks a multi-disciplinary consultant team to conduct an update to the existing 2015 GR Forward Downtown & Grand River Plan for Action. The update is intended to continue the positive momentum and build upon the successes of GR Forward while providing strategic guidance for at least the next 10 years.

The GR Forward Plan is DGRI’s current community plan and investment strategy to support the next generation of growth and investment in Downtown Grand Rapids and transform the Grand River into a distinct asset. GR Forward was driven by robust public engagement that directly involved citizens, non-profit and institutional partners, developers, businesses and decision makers. The 20-month plan development process involved 360 events and engaged over 4,400 citizens.

DGRI is a non-profit organization responsible for city building and place management in the urban core of the City of Grand Rapids. DGRI serves as the singular management entity for the combined operations of the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Downtown Improvement District (DID) and Monroe North Tax Increment Finance Authority (MNTIFA).

Project Scope
In light of the significant progress made to implement GR Forward’s recommendations over the last decade, it is time for an update to the Plan. This update is not being done to reinvent GR Forward, but instead to update the existing Plan’s principles and strategies with a focus on understanding current trends/headwinds and supporting continued implementation and success in the next 10 years to continue to build a welcoming and prosperous urban core. This will be accomplished via the following activities/deliverables:

  • Engaging the community to understand perceptions and priorities for Downtown in the decade ahead. As part of the conversation this is an opportunity to educate the community on the current state of GR Forward goals, Downtown and DGRI (and the associated tools) and openly explore new ideas to promote continued progress.
  • Updating a summary of emerging trends (housing, office, etc.) via data collection and market analysis that reveal key issues and opportunities facing Downtown.
  • Providing strategic guidance and recommendations for short-, middle- and long-term investments, planning and operations to maximize opportunities for continued public and private sector priorities in Downtown Grand Rapids by updating strategies for achieving goals. This investment guidance will become DGRI’s work plan by helping to inform budget priorities and should help to inform further transformational investments.
  • Best practice analysis of downtowns and downtown management organizations around the country including a review of funding mechanisms to achieve goals.
  • Establish metrics, key performance indicators and help guide resource allocation.

The selected consultant team will work closely with DGRI and selected stakeholders during the planning process. Additionally, the team will need to work collaboratively with a Downtown Plan Steering Committee that will include individuals from a variety of Downtown stakeholder groups, including residents, business and property owners, non-profit representatives, adjacent neighborhood organizations, artists, event organizers, educational and cultural institutions and governmental representatives. 

How to Apply
Qualification submittals shall be in PDF format and not exceed 12 pages (inclusive of any covers, etc). Submittals shall be 8 1/2 inches x 11 inches in portrait or landscape format. Submissions
shall include the following:

  • Cover Letter
  • Firm(s) Overview and Key Personnel
  • Relevent Downtown and Urban Experience, including analysis and strategy
  • Project Approach
  • Proposed Team and Roles
  • Rate and Fee Structure (this is not a fee for the project, just firm(s) rate structure)
  • References (3 minimum)

SUBMISSION:
Questions and qualification submittals shall be submitted via email to:
Mark Miller AIA AICP
Managing Director of Planning and Design, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
mmiller@downtowngr.org