The 2026 Comprehensive Plan Update will be a substantial revision to the last major update to the land use vision for the City, which was completed in 2011. The two most recent Comprehensive Plan Updates – in 2016 and 2021 – were 5-year updates completed by the Atlanta Regional Commission. The City of Chattahoochee Hills Comprehensive Plan Update will need to meet the Department of Community Affairs Standards, as well as provide a clear path to reaching a vision for the City’s future preservation and strategic development. To accomplish these objectives, the City is open to innovative approaches and plan structures. The Comprehensive Plan deliverable should be highly graphic, engaging, and written for a general audience. Lengthy analyses of existing conditions are discouraged; instead, the City wants an actionable plan that reflects the community’s vision, paired with realistic strategies and recommendations for implementation over time. The Comprehensive Plan will need to address needs/opportunities, goals and policies, recommendations for implementation, and a realistic Community Work Program. The points below identify the principal components anticipated in the Scope of Work. The City anticipates that the 2026 Comprehensive Plan Update will be grounded in a thorough review of existing plan documents, and will include a summary of an existing conditions assessment, including review of existing plans and development of a community demographic profile Community Goals, Needs and Opportunities aligned with the requirements of the Rules of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Chapter 110-12-1, Standards and Procedures for Local Comprehensive Planning A Land Use Vision, including revised character areas and the future land use, zoning, parks and greenspace, and multi-use trail opportunities within each character area Clear, detailed policy direction, that will inform the City of any future code updates Integration of transportation recommendations with particular attention on the impacts of those recommendations on the Land Use Vision Integration of the required Broadband Element, with particular attention where better broadband access will support future development aligned with the Land Use Vision Integration of several customized topic areas that investigate and address policy impacts on agricultural activity, agricultural land preservation, and sustainability. incentivize healthy food retailers and access to healthy food for all residents. foster active living through support of walkability/bikeability and access to parks. explore the creation of a green infrastructure network, mapping and protecting an interconnected system of natural areas (parks, river corridors, greenways, urban forests) that provide ecological and recreational benefits. support mental health and social connection through the design of public spaces and neighborhoods that reduce isolation and promote interaction. incorporate creative placemaking to shape public spaces, strengthen identity, and influence economic development. Strategies for integrating best practices to ensure a range of new housing opportunities, including a robust and balanced range of housing types and prices, that are aligned with the Land Use Vision, and recommendations for incorporating housing policies into code A Report of Accomplishments and Updated Community Work Program aligned with the DCA Local Planning Rules A Community Participation Plan that includes online and in-person community engagement. The City engaged nearly 50% of the households in the 2011 Plan and is seeking to exceed that number in this Update. Therefore, the City of Chattahoochee Hills anticipates that engagement will be a major component of the Update overall and that a robust community participation plan will be implemented for the Comprehensive Plan Update. In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the Rules of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Chapter 110-12-1, Standards and Procedures for Local Comprehensive Planning, the consultant will facilitate the following minimum activities as a part of a coordinated, thoughtful engagement program: bi-weekly Project Management Team Meetings for the duration of the project (may be held virtually or in person) Steering Committee meetings (max of 8- anticipated to be in person) Stakeholder Interviews (max of 10- may be held virtually or in person) A topical expert/ speakers event on relevant planning ‘best practices’ for citizen education/ awareness (minimum of 1- anticipated to be held in person with virtual accessibility). Please Note: The consultant should identify the proposed topical experts/ speakers and provide bios in this response. Public engagement opportunities such as public workshops, pop-up events, or other formats (minimum of 3- anticipated to be held in person) City Council informational presentations (minimum of 2, to be held throughout the process, exclusive of meetings required for adoption) Online Survey(s) to seek additional input and direction An interactive public website with tools to engage community feedback Detailed maps, graphics and illustrations to support all components of the Comprehensive Plan Update The Community Participation Plan should ensure everyone is reached and is encouraged to participate. It should clearly articulate a plan for inclusive outreach across socioeconomic, racial, and geographic groups that reduces physical and psychological barriers to participation. Explain how traditionally underrepresented populations will be reached (e.g., renters, farm owners, seniors, etc.). Consider including examples of past engagement materials that demonstrate similar efforts. The consultant shall work closely with City of Chattahoochee Hills staff to furnish all labor, materials and services to meet all requirements outlined in this Request for Proposals and the detailed Scope of Work identified above. The City is seeking final deliverables in a format designed to communicate the final report in a visual and educational manner. While the deliverables must meet the minimum requirements of the Rules of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Chapter 110-12-1, Standards and Procedures for Local Comprehensive Planning, the City is also seeking a supplemental product that provides the plan’s highlights in a graphic and engaging manner. The deliverables shall include: Twenty (20) printed and bound color copies of the final report (with appendices separated) One pdf file of the final report and all appendices All electronic files in their original format (i.e. Word, Excel, In Design, etc) with supporting graphics All original GIS shapefiles in ArcGIS compatible format A supplemental product of the Plan’s highlights
