Alternative Sidewalk Funding

The Washington State Legislature's Joint Transportation Committee (JTC) is seeking a consulting firm to conduct a comprehensive study on alternative sidewalk funding methods for local governments. The Request for Proposals (RFP) solicits research to evaluate and develop new revenue options for sidewalk infrastructure improvements across Washington State. Key deliverables include a preliminary report due by December 15, 2025, and a final report due by June 30, 2026, with the project running from August 29, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The study requires a detailed examination of current sidewalk funding mechanisms, analysis of alternative funding approaches used in other states, and development of case studies for 5-8 local governments. Proposers must submit their responses by 5:00 p.m. on July 21, 2025, with oral interviews scheduled for August 14, 2025. The research will evaluate potential funding methods based on specific criteria including fairness, stability, adequacy, regressivity, simplicity, and economic impact, with a particular focus on exploring innovative approaches such as establishing a sidewalk utility.

The project has a total budget of $190,000, funded through a motor vehicle account-state appropriation, with funding intended to provide actionable recommendations for local government infrastructure funding. While no specific set-aside designations are mentioned, the RFP appears open to qualified consulting firms with expertise in municipal infrastructure funding, transportation policy, and fiscal analysis. The study will require extensive stakeholder outreach and the ability to develop comprehensive policy recommendations, including potential statutory changes needed to implement new funding approaches. The research will cover jurisdictions across Washington State, including but not limited to counties such as Franklin, Grant, Chelan, Yakima, and numerous cities and municipalities. Interested consultants should demonstrate strong analytical capabilities, experience with municipal funding mechanisms, and the capacity to produce detailed policy research that can inform legislative and local government decision-making.