Consideration and Approval of Contract: An agreement with the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance (FDBA), Coconino County and Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transit Authority (NAIPTA) to hire consulting services for a Downtown Vision and Action Plan. (Downtown Vision)

The partnering agencies seek to hire a qualified consultant to create a Vision and Action Plan through a collaborative process for Downtown Flagstaff.  Focus areas for the Vision and Action Plan include, but are not limited to, zoning impacts on land use and development opportunities; potential redevelopment and the desired built environment; historic preservation priorities and standards; local business development and support; economic development opportunities; parking, public infrastructure, transportation and connectivity; and the addition and activation of civic/community spaces. The development of the Vision and Action Plan is intended to take between 12 and 18 months to complete, managed by an Advisory Committee made up of representatives from each of the partnering agencies.

The Vision and Action Plan for Downtown Flagstaff is intended to provide guidance and implementation strategies for changing conditions within the downtown related to land use, economic development, and transportation.  The geographic study area will include Butler Avenue to the south, Dale Avenue to the north, Elden Street to the east and Milton Road/Sitgreaves Street to the west.  These boundaries may change based on public input received during the process.

Note:  The Agreement will be attached prior to the final agenda.

The proposed partnership funding is as follows:

• City of Flagstaff - 61.5%, not to exceed $80,000 (BBB/Economic Development and Tourism are splitting the cost)
• Coconino County - 15.5%, not to exceed $20,000
• Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority (NAIPTA) - 15.5%, not to exceed $20,000
• Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance (FDBA ) - 7.5%, not to exceed $10,000 plus project management services provided in lieu of additional cash payment

Council Goals:
Economic Development: Grow and strengthen a more equitable and resilient economy.
Transportation and Other Public Infrastructure: Deliver quality community assets and continue to advocate and implement a highly performing multi-modal transportation system.
Community Outreach: Enhance public transparency and accessibility.

Team Flagstaff Strategic Plan
Strategic priority #3: Foster a resilient and economically prosperous city
Strategic priority #4: Work in partnership to enhance a safe and livable community

Flagstaff Regional Plan 2030
The Regional Plan includes a dedicated goals and policies focused on enhancing the Downtown area as well as calling it out as a special and unique location for Flagstaff.  The following are the primary goals within the Regional Plan that focus specifically on the Downtown that are relevant to this project:

Goal LU.11. Prioritize the continual reinvigoration of downtown Flagstaff, whose strategic location, walkable blocks, and historic buildings will continue to be a vibrant destination for all.
Goal LU.12. Accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and private cars to supplement downtown’s status as the best-served and most accessible location in the region.
Goal NH.2. Look to downtown Flagstaff as the primary focal point of the community character.

 No

Downtown Flagstaff history has existed for hundreds of years where historic red brick buildings, stores, and landmarks have stood for decades. Downtown is an active spot with an abundance of shops, galleries, clothing stores, adventure outfitters, restaurants, and lively nightlife.

Downtown is a desired destination that attracts residents and visitors alike. However, there is a critical need for a unified vision to help shape and influence the future of Downtown. Development is imminent. Opportunities exist for catalytic projects that will impact Downtown for decades. Without this collaborative effort, projects will continue to happen piecemeal, impacting Downtown's vibrancy, economic vitality, and the character that make Downtown special.

Engaging a downtown management expert to lead a 1-7 year visioning effort has not been done before for Downtown Flagstaff. Research shows that downtowns across the country use similar processes to craft policies that impact their downtowns help result in a unified vision. It is a best practice utilized by hundreds of downtown organizations and their key partners. While this Scope of Work is unique to Flagstaff and was developed with input from all funding partners, more than 15 cities were studied to better understand the expertise, deliverables, timelines, processes, and more.

The Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance (FDBA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Historic Downtown Flagstaff. FDBA sponsors free family events to encourage visitation to our downtown businesses. Through these activities, they add to the economic viability of the area and the community in general. FDBA also advocates for essential business issues, providing education to the public and a strong voice to our City regarding the health of our economy.

FDBA understands the desires of the downtown business community and plays a key role in deciding the future of our downtown for the good of our residents and visitors. The FDBA also receives fees from the Flagstaff Downtown Business Improvement and Revitalization District to provide services that enhance downtown. Utilizing this organization to lead the Downtown Vision and Action Plan, along with a consultant, will help ensure that we are planning for downtown's future and long term sustainability and growth.

 none

Key benefits and considerations for having a Downtown Vision and Action Plan include having short, mid, and long term goals for downtown Flagstaff that include the physical environment, land use and historic preservation, local business, economic and development opportunities, parking, transportation & connectivity, and more.

Public Involvement will include:
FDBA/consultant will engage key stakeholders including, but not limited to leadership and staff from the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, and NAIPTA

FDBA/consultant will lead a robust and broad community engagement process that includes a variety of formats, including, but not limited to, one-on-one, small group, larger open house forums, and online surveys.

FDBA/consultant will facilitate a conversation with Southside neighborhood leaders, business owners, and property owners to determine interest and provide recommended actions to form a Business Improvement and Revitalization District.