Explanation
BACKGROUND: The City of Columbus, in an effort to leverage long-term public and private interest, existing programs, and development in the Hilltop and surrounding areas, submitted a formal Request for Proposal (RFP). The formal request sought professional analytical services from qualified contractors and consultants to evaluate existing and proposed market opportunities for new and emerging small business enterprises such as retail, food service, and other sectors. The study, resulting from the RFP, will be known as the “Hilltop Retail Market Analysis and Small Business Opportunity Study”. The study primarily will focus on the Hilltop Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization (NCR) corridor as part of the neighborhood-based economic development strategy. The City of Columbus seeks balanced, equitable neighborhoods throughout the City where residents all have access to financial stability and economic opportunity. Through activities carried out by the Department of Development and other partnering agencies, the City of Columbus is committed to supporting and encouraging scalable economic development throughout Columbus. The Economic Development Division carries out this role by supporting, collaborating, and partnering as necessary in development and revitalizing efforts.
The formal bidding process was followed with the review and selection of proposals submitted for the “Hilltop Retail Market Analysis and Small Business Opportunity Study”. A Proposal Evaluation Committee was established by the City of Columbus for the purpose of reviewing, ranking and interviewing applicants based on initial scoring of proposals. After careful review, the Proposal Evaluation Committee selected Place Dynamics, LLC, to complete the “Hilltop Market Analysis and Small Business Opportunity Study.” Place Dynamics LLC is a leader in economic development, market research and business district vitality for both the public and private sector. Working across North Ameri...
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