Affordable Housing Planning and Capacity Consultant

The City of Durango, located in La Plata County, Colorado, is soliciting proposals for an Affordable Housing Planning and Capacity Consultant through a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued on June 6, 2025. The procurement seeks a consultant to assist with improving local planning and capacity for affordable housing, with key objectives including designing and implementing systems to expedite development review processes, facilitating zoning code and ordinance amendments, developing incentive and offset programs, pursuing funding strategies, and creating community engagement strategies. Potential deliverables include comprehensive recommendations for streamlining housing development, zoning modifications, and community participation frameworks. The RFP requires proposals to be submitted through the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System by July 10, 2025, at 3:00 PM local time, with contractor questions due by June 19, 2025. The city anticipates conducting interviews during the week of July 17, 2025, with an estimated Notice of Award on July 24, 2025, and a Notice to Proceed anticipated for August 4, 2025. The project is expected to last approximately 27 months, terminating on October 31, 2027, and will require frequent in-person meetings and collaborative work with city staff.

The contract does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. The total budget for consulting services is $83,000, with funding provided through a grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), which includes an additional $146,250 allocated to personnel services for city staff. Payments beyond December 31, 2025, are subject to annual appropriations by the Durango City Council. The city has existing affordable housing tools, including a Fair Share program, density bonuses, ADU rebate programs, and partnerships with developers, landowners, and local entities like the Regional Housing Alliance. The project aims to address a local shortage of affordable housing by developing innovative housing solutions to support a multigenerational and mixed-income community. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the contract allows for potential extensions and modifications, with all project products becoming the property of the City of Durango upon completion. The selected consultant will be required to maintain comprehensive insurance coverage and comply with municipal requirements, including obtaining a City of Durango Business License and Sales Tax License.