1. Project Management and Coordination: The consultant will manage and lead the City of Crescent City Downtown Specific Plan project, including the development of timelines, establishing deadlines, and providing updates. The consultant will propose a detailed schedule with all milestones outlined and a completion date that the consultant feels best fits the project goals and objectives. This project is grant-funded and must comply with all grant requirements including the expenditure deadline and reporting requirements. 2. Collect and Analyze Data: The consultant will analyze existing economic conditions as they relate to development in the downtown corridor from sources such as the countywide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), Crescent City Economic Development Strategic Action Plan (EDSAP), General Plan Land Use Map, and Housing Element. The consultant will ascertain regional, national and international market trends and relationships as well as gather current data specific to downtown business retention or recruitment with studies such as a cost of doing business analysis, ten-year sales tax analysis, and visitor analysis. 3. Public Outreach/Visioning: The consultant will conduct meaningful public engagement with a diverse cross-section of community members and coordinate with a steering committee of key business leaders and stakeholders to collect feedback on existing conditions and begin the visioning process. The objective of this phase will be to address the community needs, develop a ranking of goals, and determine what makes the City of Crescent City unique. These efforts will include hosting public workshops and focus group meetings to allow community input on the overall design and vision for downtown. The consultant will be expected to conduct a minimum of two public workshops in addition to multiple stakeholder meetings to be outlined in the consultant’s proposal. 4. Develop Concept Drawings: Informed by the community vision, the consultant will set design guidelines for architecture, public spaces, streetscapes, signage, and landscaping to ensure a cohesive and appealing downtown atmosphere. Concept drawings should reflect the City’s unique character and future vision. As a vital component of the overall plan, the deliverable is expected to be a robust design with a preference for 3-D modeling. The consultant will provide the format and software to be used for concept drawings in the proposal, with the understanding that the end product will be used to acquire future grant funding for project implementation or inform other activities such as a Façade Improvement Program. 5. Draft, Edit, Revise, and Finalize the Crescent City Downtown Specific Plan: Data received from research, community meetings, business surveys and steering committee input will be compiled and used to develop a draft Downtown Specific Plan. The draft plan should be ready to execute and will be presented to stakeholders for feedback. Recommended changes per stakeholder input will be incorporated into the final plan. The final plan should include recommendations for possible zoning or policy changes to promote vibrant downtown growth; connectivity to other destinations in the area through transportation and mobility, ensuring accessibility and a pedestrian-friendly environment; strategies to attract businesses, increase tourism, support local businesses, and encourage investment in the downtown core; plans for public spaces such as the Fountain Plaza or the 3rd Street Alley to promote social interaction and improve quality of life; an exploration of establishing downtown districts or historic preservation; ideas for sustainability with suggested measures for energy efficiency, green building practices, stormwater management, and climate resilience; encourage a mix of housing types to promote a diverse and inclusive downtown residential community; and a guide to funding opportunities for implementation. 6. Present Downtown Specific Plan to City Council: Up to three council presentations should be expected: one to report initial findings, one to present the concept drawings and overall vision, and one for the final plan to be adopted.
