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- As stated in our first Informational Update of March 1, 2024, Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) were sent to three well qualified firms as part of the process of hiring a consultant to conduct the Growth and Renewal Study. All three firms responded by mid-February. The consultant proposals were provided to the steering committee members for comment. Comments received were consolidated and returned to the respective firms along with other information deemed helpful, such as tasks accomplished by the steering committee that they may not be aware of. Such tasks were the development of a logo, brand, and website.
- After receiving the final replies, the steering committee met on March 21 to make the selection. During the meeting, two firms came to the forefront but there was divided opinion on which may be the best match for our community. A decision was made to conduct face-to-face interviews with each firm.
- Face-to-face interviews were held the first week of April. A vote was taken at the end of the week and a company was selected as the #1 candidate. Negotiations are underway with that firm as of the date shown and are expected to be completed by the end of this month. If for some reason they are not successful, negotiations will be opened with Firm #2.
- Once a contract is in place, information on the firm will be made public through the Reimagine Chatham website, press releases and newly created Facebook page. The information will also contain a definition of the study area and a project schedule so that the community may know how the work is planned to progress.
- Awareness and outreach remain important actions for the success of this effort. A Facebook page has been created. It will be used primarily to provide information and progress updates from the consultant as the work proceeds. The steering committee will be working with the consultant on this aspect of the project and will be developing a process to reach as many people as possible in the study area, including those who do not have internet access. Awareness and outreach efforts are intended to make as many people as possible aware of opportunities to provide input into what the community wants to see Chatham become.
- The overall process is currently proceeding as expected. Any delays , such as a pause for the interviews, are considered time well spent because they better clarified the experience and plans of the companies being considered and gave the committee members a feel for the people they would be working with.
- There is no specific deadline to complete this study. We expect the process to take about six or eight months after the contract is in place.
