Specifications include, but are not limited to: 1. Walkability/Traffic Reduction - The top priority for Uptown, as identified by the stakeholder committee, is to improve walkability and reduce traffic congestion. In addition, this is an opportunity to effectuate connectivity. A walkable uptown will improve visitors’ experience and create a more attractive and active area. 2. Public Parking - Uptown has 266 public parking spaces in lots that have poor signage, are unconnected, and have limited or no walkways to draw visitors from the lots to their destination. The City will undertake strategies designed to enhance these parking lots and their connectivity.3. Events - People are drawn to downtowns, or in this case, Uptown, where there is much to do and see. Many of the strategies identified require design and construction and as such have longer timelines. Events, on the other hand, can be organized relatively quickly and bring almost instant results. Ongoing events will draw people to Uptown on a regular basis, showcase the uniqueness of Uptown and its businesses, and bring positive attention to the area. Current Uptown events include the Hometown Holiday Walk, Ghost Walk, and Sip and Shops. The City will elevate these events and create new ones that bring people to the heart of our community.4. Business Development - To be a thriving destination, Uptown needs a strong, supported business community. While Uptown is home to a diverse group of businesses, opportunities remain to welcome new businesses that will help achieve the vision. 5. Marketing/Branding - According to CEOs for Cities, “A brand — clear, compelling and unique — is the foundation that helps to make a place desirable as a business location, visitor destination or a place to call home. Development of a brand strategy for a city or downtown [Uptown] leverages the features of that place to provide a relevant and compelling promise to a target audience. The City is contracting with another outside firm to build the Uptown Brand that will ultimately need to be incorporated into the engineering plans of the selected firm.6. Greenspace - Greenspaces provide areas with a community gathering space and introduce a natural element and balance to roads, parking lots and buildings. In addition, contract documents shall be developed for design-build projects.