Commercial District Activation Strategy

Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI) is seeking a consultant to develop a Commercial District Activation Strategy for approximately 15 commercial districts along the Atlanta Beltline corridor. The Request for Proposals (RFP) aims to create a comprehensive strategy that helps commercial districts capitalize on economic opportunities during large-scale regional events such as sporting events and concerts. Key deliverables include developing an assessment tool, conducting a resource gap analysis, creating a toolkit, providing technical assistance, and establishing impact tracking metrics. The project will span 13 months from October 2025 to November 2026, with proposals due on October 29, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST via the Bonfire Portal. Proposal evaluation will be based on a 100-point scoring system, with points allocated across approach and methodology (25 points), relevant experience and qualifications (20 points), toolkit and resource gap strategy (15 points), and technical assistance plan (10 points). Ideal candidates will demonstrate expertise in urban planning, economic development, and activation strategies, with proven experience working with commercial districts.

The procurement emphasizes a 30% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goal, with a commitment to creating economic opportunities for small, women-owned, minority-owned, and disadvantaged businesses. The project is funded through the Atlanta BeltLine's Tax Allocation District (TAD) with a $12 million commitment to support small businesses. Consultants must provide comprehensive documentation of DBE involvement, including revenue and percentage of work. The contract will require specific insurance coverage, including worker's compensation, liability, and professional liability policies. While the total contract value is not explicitly stated, the funding allocation suggests significant potential for the selected consultant. Consultants are permitted to maintain other business association engagements, provided they ensure no duplication of work, avoid double-charging for services, maintain transparency in roles, and treat all ABI-related information as confidential. The procurement is designed to be inclusive, with a focus on building capacity within commercial district organizations and creating resources to help businesses benefit from large-scale events.