2025.RFP.CompLandUseDevelopmentPlan.pdf

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Comprehensive Land Use and Real Estate Investment Plan Port of Cascade Locks – Cascade Locks, Oregon

I. Introduction and Purpose The Port of Cascade Locks invites qualified planning and real estate consulting firms to submit proposals to provide professional services for the development of a Comprehensive Land Use and Real Estate Investment Plan. This plan will guide Port-related economic development initiatives for the next five years across its industrial, commercial, public, recreational, and residential holdings within Cascade Locks, Oregon.

This RFP seeks a consultant or consultant team with demonstrated expertise in land use planning, economic development strategy, real estate investment analysis, and stakeholder engagement. The selected consultant will assist the Port in formulating a unified strategy that ensures alignment with the Port’s 2024–2029 Strategic Business Plan and generates measurable returns on public investment. This project is funded in part through a grant from Business Oregon’s Port Planning & Marketing Fund.

II. Background The Port owns various zoned properties across the city of Cascade Locks, including:

- Industrial sites requiring utility upgrades for tenant retention/expansion

- Potential recreational/tourism development sites

- Historic properties with lodging and tourism potential

- Shovel-ready and undeveloped residential lands targeted for workforce housing

The Port also holds and is evaluating opportunities for strategic acquisition or sale of key parcels within downtown Cascade Locks. These actions are intended to support revitalization goals, foster a vibrant downtown core, and create a welcoming environment for tourism, commercial, and health and human services-related businesses and community amenities. This plan should provide a clear roadmap for how land transactions can serve those goals.

The Port Commission has identified a need to coordinate, prioritize, and evaluate these opportunities to maximize economic, social, and fiscal outcomes for the region. This plan will provide an actionable workplan, timeline, and investment framework for implementing projects over the next five years.

III. Scope of Work The consultant will identify and evaluate Port-owned and adjacent properties in the downtown core and along main corridors for potential acquisition or disposition. This analysis should support the Port’s broader strategy to catalyze downtown revitalization, increase walkability, attract private investment, and activate underutilized sites.

Tasks include:

1. Identifying key parcels suitable for acquisition or sale.

2. Recommending criteria and a framework for acquisition or divestment decisions.

3. Aligning property strategies with desired uses such as lodging, retail, civic space, or tourism amenities.

4. Evaluating legal, zoning, and financial feasibility for property transactions.

5. Estimating ROI and economic impact of acquisition/disposition scenarios.

The consultant will assess the potential to rezone and partition existing large industrial parcels owned by the Port to better align with emerging recreational, tourism, and mixed-use development opportunities.

Tasks include:

1. Analyzing current zoning limitations and evaluating pathways to rezone or create overlay zones.

2. Identifying highest and best use scenarios that align with the Port’s economic development goals.

3. Evaluating subdivision/partition potential to create more marketable parcel sizes.

4. Estimating costs, timeframes, and potential return on investment of rezoning actions.

5. Recommending updates to the zoning map and development code as applicable.

Process steps include:

1. Site Tours and Stakeholder Engagement

- Tour of all Port-owned properties

- Interviews with Port staff, commissioners, city officials, and community members

2. Zoning and Infrastructure Evaluation

- Review current zoning and assess potential for rezoning or mixed-use development

- Assess utility and transportation infrastructure needs and opportunities

3. Market Feasibility and ROI Modeling

- Evaluate market demand for residential, commercial, industrial, and tourism uses

- Identify financing strategies, public-private partnership models, and potential incentives

- Provide return-on-investment (ROI) estimates for prioritized projects

4. Drafting and Finalizing the Plan

- Develop draft strategy with goals, project phases, timelines, and investment benchmarks

- Develop illustrative maps for each focus area to communicate recommended strategies

- Facilitate reviews and incorporate feedback from Port staff and Commission

- Deliver a final report suitable for public release and adoption

IV. Project Timeline Milestone | Revised Date RFP Issued | May 21, 2025 Proposal Due | June 19, 2025 by 5:00PM PST Consultant Selected & Contract Awarded | June 30, 2025 Consultant Site Tour & Kickoff | July 8, 2025 Stakeholder Sessions & Data Gathering | July 15, 2025 Management Review of Preliminary Recommendations | August 25, 2025 Draft Plan Preparation | August 26 – September 15, 2025 Draft Review (Staff & Commission) | September 16 – 20, 2025 Final Plan Presentation & Approval | October 21, 2025

V. Proposal Submittal Requirements Respondents must submit a complete proposal that includes the following sections:

1. Cover Letter

- Brief summary of the firm’s qualifications and interest in the project.

2. Firm Qualifications & Experience

- Overview of the firm and any proposed subconsultants

- Description of experience in real estate planning and investment strategy

- Examples of similar projects and outcomes

3. Key Personnel

- Identification of project lead and other key team members

- Resumes of all key personnel

- Roles and availability of each member throughout the project

4. Project Understanding & Approach

- Summary of project understanding

- Description of methodology for stakeholder engagement, planning, and ROI analysis

- Outline of proposed work plan

5. Portfolio of Relevant Work

- At least three examples of land use and investment planning projects

- Documentation of measurable ROI or successful implementation results

6. Schedule & Budget

- Detailed project timeline aligned with Section IV

- Fee proposal by major task and any reimbursable costs

7. References

- Minimum of three references from past clients with similar scopes of work

VI. Evaluation Criteria Proposals will be evaluated based on the following:

Criteria | Points Experience with similar projects and demonstrated results | 25 Qualifications of key personnel | 20 Understanding of scope and approach | 25 Portfolio of past projects showing ROI and successful implementation | 15 Cost and schedule | 15 Total: 100 points

VII. Submission Instructions Proposals must be submitted electronically in PDF format via email to:

gscholl@portofcascadelocks.gov Subject Line: “RFP Submission – Land Use & Real Estate Plan” Submission Deadline: June 19, 2025 at 5:00 PM PST Questions may be submitted via email no later than June 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM PST

VIII. General Conditions

• The Port reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

• The Port is not liable for any costs incurred by respondents in the preparation of proposals.

• Selection does not guarantee award; the final contract will be subject to Port approval and funding availability.