Downtown + Waterfront Area Tactical Placemaking Project – Phase 2

The Buffalo Urban Development Corporation is requesting proposals from design, planning, and engineering firms for the Downtown + Waterfront Area Tactical Placemaking Project – Phase 2, a temporary redesign of one to two public spaces, intersections, or rights-of-way in Buffalo's Downtown and Waterfront Area, with proposals due October 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. and a virtual pre-proposal meeting on October 1, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.

BUDC has established equity participation goals requiring 25% MBE participation, 5% WBE participation, and 5% SDVOB participation for third-party vendors and services. Firms must be licensed to practice in New York State.

The scope encompasses temporary tactical urbanism improvements at five preliminary focus areas (Pearl/Commercial Street between Upper Terrace and Marine Drive; Chippewa Street at Delaware Avenue; Lafayette Square; Genesee Street between Huron and Washington; Main and Chippewa Street), though BUDC welcomes recommendations for alternative sites. Deliverables include design and coordination of low-cost creative interventions such as wayfinding, traffic calming, asphalt art, public art, lighting, and pedestrian improvements, with installation required no later than June 30, 2027.

The anticipated budget is $150,000 to $175,000, subject to adjustment based on additional funding or scope modifications. BUDC anticipates award in November 2026. Evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: experience (30 points), overall approach and methodology (30 points), budget (15 points), local presence (15 points), and equity practices (10 points). Proposals must include firm profile, resumes of key personnel, three client references from the past three years, approach and methodology narrative, and detailed budget by phase and task. Submissions are via email only to jbernard@buffalourbandevelopment.com. Questions are due October 7, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., submitted in writing by email; oral interpretations via telephone are not accepted.