Reflecting Raleigh Citizens’ Assembly

The City of Raleigh's Planning and Development Department is seeking consultant services to guide and facilitate a Citizens' Assembly as part of the Reflecting Raleigh comprehensive planning process. The procurement involves selecting a consultant team to manage a complex 2.5-year project focused on creating an inclusive community engagement strategy for developing the city's next comprehensive plan. Key deliverables include developing a project workplan, recruiting and selecting a diverse assembly of Raleigh residents, facilitating monthly assembly meetings, coordinating with technical experts, and producing comprehensive reports. The project is structured across four phases from June 2025 to August 2027, with specific tasks including project management support, defining the assembly's scope, member recruitment and selection, staff facilitation and training, and providing ongoing advisory support. The solicitation was posted on April 22, 2025, with proposals due by May 9, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST. The contract will have an initial two-year term with an option to renew for an additional one-year period. The consultant must demonstrate capabilities in community engagement, facilitation, and the ability to create an accessible, representative planning process that goes beyond traditional self-selecting engagement methods.

While specific budget details are not explicitly outlined in the Request for Proposals, the document emphasizes the importance of accessibility and inclusive participation. The project requires the consultant to provide translation services, ensure cognitive web accessibility, and accommodate residents with limited English proficiency. No specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations were mentioned in the available documentation. The city seeks a consultant team with expertise in community engagement, facilitation, and comprehensive planning processes, capable of managing a complex, multi-phase project that aims to create a more representative and inclusive approach to city planning. The project's emphasis on diversity and accessibility suggests a preference for consultants with demonstrated experience in engaging diverse community populations and creating equitable planning processes. While the exact budget is not specified, the comprehensive nature of the project and the required multi-year support indicate a significant investment in developing a collaborative approach to city planning.