RFP Downtown Market Consultant.docx

Village of Canisteo Downtown Market Analysis and Revitalization Strategy Request for Proposals (RFP) I. Introduction The Village of Canisteo is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to conduct a comprehensive Downtown Market Analysis and Revitalization Strategy. The purpose of this study is to assess market conditions, identify opportunities for business development and downtown revitalization, and provide data-driven recommendations to support long-term economic growth. The study shall provide an actionable roadmap for business development, housing investment, place making, tourism growth, redevelopment, and long-term economic resilience. The Village seeks recommendations that can be implemented through local initiatives and leveraged for state and federal funding opportunities.

II. Project Objectives The consultant will:

1. Evaluate existing downtown market conditions.

2. Assess business mix, retail leakage, vacancy, consumer demographics, spending patterns

3. Engage community stakeholders, business owners, and residents to gather input.

4. Assess market demand for retail, dining, services, housing, and mixed-use development.

5. Evaluate upper floor housing and adaptive reuse opportunities.

6. Develop business attraction, retention, and expansion strategies.

7. Create a 5 year implementation strategy with actionable recommendations and funding roadmap (ex. ARC, NY Forward, DRI, Restore NY, USDA) to strengthen downtown as a commercial, social, and cultural hub.

III. Scope of Work The selected consultant will be expected to:

· Collect and analyze demographic, economic, and consumer spending data.

· Conduct interviews, surveys, or focus groups with stakeholders.

· Perform a retail gap/leakage analysis.

· Assess housing demand, rental markets, workforce housing needs and mixed use opportunities.

· Identify redevelopment opportunity sites and catalyst projects.

· Analyze tourism, recreation, heritage, and visitor economy opportunities

· Evaluate competitive regional markets.

· Develop recommendations tailored to Canisteo’s downtown assets and challenges and benchmark Canisteo against comparable rural downtown communities

· Develop implementation strategies and funding recommendations.

· Present findings to the Village Board and community stakeholders.

IV. Stakeholder Engagement The selected consultant shall complete a robust public engagement process including:

· Project steering committee meetings.

· Business owner interviews.

· Community stakeholder interviews.

· Online public survey.

· Minimum of two public workshops.

· Presentation to the Village Board.

V. Deliverables

1. Project work plan and timeline

2. Existing conditions assessment.

3. Market and demographic analysis.

4. Retail, Business, Housing and Tourism/Visitor demand assessment.

5. Community/stakeholder engagement summary.

6. GIS Mapping and/or Redevelopment Opportunity Site Profile (for catalyst projects)

7. Funding Strategy Matrix

8. Draft Downtown Market Study report for review.

9. Final Downtown Market Study report including 5 year implementation action plan (digital and printed copies).

10. Public presentation of key findings and recommendations.

VI. Project Timeline The project is expected to begin in October 2026 and be completed within 9-10 Months of contract award.

VII. Proposal Requirements Proposals must include:

· Cover letter and firm background.

· Qualifications and experience with similar market studies.

· Resumes of key personnel.

· Detailed work plan and methodology.

· Public Engagement Plan.

· Proposed timeline.

· Itemized cost proposal (including travel, materials, and any subcontracting).

· References from at least three comparable projects, including those communities with demonstrated success with NY Forward/DRI, ARC, USDA Projects.

VIII. Evaluation Criteria Proposals will be evaluated based on:

· Relevant experience and qualifications.

· Understanding of project scope and methodology.

· Cost-effectiveness.

· Demonstrated ability to engage stakeholders and deliver practical recommendations.

· References and prior performance.

IX. Budget The project will be funded with Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funds in conjunction with an Empire State Development (ESD) match. All work will be contracted, and no in-house services are included in the project budget. The projected budget for the project is $80,000. Consultants shall comply with all applicable federal and state requirements, including 2 CFR 200. Proposals shall include debarment certification, conflict-of interest disclosure, and non-collusion certification.

X. Submission Instructions Proposals must be submitted with three (3) hard copies and a desired electronic copy emailed to clerk@villageofcanisteo.gov by the submission deadline of by Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 2:00PM. Hard copies should be delivered or mailed to:

Village of Canisteo Katrina Oliverio, Clerk-Treasurer clerk@villageofcanisteo.gov 8 Green Street Canisteo, NY 14823 Late submissions will not be considered.

XI. Additional Information

· The Village of Canisteo reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

· All questions must be submitted in writing to the contact listed above no later than September 29, 2026. Responses will be shared with all prospective proposers.

· The selected consultant will be required to comply with all applicable federal and state procurement requirements, including 2 CFR 200.

XII. Desired Consultant Experience

Preference will be given to firms demonstrating experience with:

• Rural downtown revitalization.

• Downtown market studies.

• Housing market analyses.

• NY Forward and DRI initiatives.

• ARC-funded planning projects.

• Historic downtown districts.

• Economic development implementation strategies.

Scoring Rubric

Evaluation Criteria