REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on the Award of Agreement to Wallace Roberts & Todd, LLC for Downtown Precise Plan Consultant Services and Related Budget Amendment
Report
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clara's 2010-2035 General Plan identifies focus areas throughout the City, including the Downtown area, to promote the City's diverse economic base and meet the demand for housing that addresses job growth in the City and region.
In August 2015, the Santa Clara City Council adopted a Strategic Objective to evaluate a Santa Clara Downtown/Super Block project. The City then hired an urban design consultant to help facilitate a series of workshops and meetings between October 2015 and November 2017, which were used to gather community input on a vision for the Downtown area's future development. Through this process the community identified several objectives for the redevelopment of the Downtown area as a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented destination. The restoration of Franklin Street as a public right-of-way open to vehicular traffic was identified as a primary objective.
The possibility of revitalizing the City's historic Downtown area has engaged City community members, including organizations such as Reclaiming Our Downtown and the Old Quad Resident's Association. In response to community interest, the City Council approved the Biennial 2018/19 and 2019/20 Capital Improvement Program Budget that includes $400,000 to support the preparation of a Precise Plan that will provide guidance for new development within the Downtown area through policies, guidelines, and illustrations that implement the community vision and objectives for a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented destination. As part of this effort, the City requires a consultant to assist in the preparation of the Precise Plan.
DISCUSSION
In February 2019, the City issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Downtown Precise Plan Consultant Services, using the City's e-procurement system. A total of 75 co...
Click here for full text