RFP: Comprehensive Plan - Zoning Ordinance Update
| Location: | Illinois |
|---|---|
| Posted: | Feb 2, 2026 |
| Due: | Mar 13, 2026 |
| Agency: | City of Decatur |
| Type of Government: | State & Local |
| Category: |
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| Publication URL: | To access bid details, please log in. |
| Bid Title: |
RFP: Comprehensive Plan - Zoning Ordinance Update
|
| Category: | Economic and Community Development Bids |
| Status: | Open |
| Bid Recipient: | Economic & Community Development Department |
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Attachment Preview
The City invites sealed proposals for the furnishing of materials, supplies, equipment, and/or
services as specified herein, in full compliance with the conditions and requirements of this
Request for Proposals.
SECTION I:
INTRODUCTION …………………………………………………... 2
SECTION II: COMMUNITY OVERVIEW ………………………………………. 2
SECTION III: RELATED PLANS AND STUDIES ………………………………. 4
SECTION IV: GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ………………………………………. 4
SECTION V: FOCUS AREAS AND CONSIDERATIONS ………………………. 5
SECTION VI: ZONING ORDINANCE UPDATE ………………………………... 8
SECTION VII: DELIVERABLES ………………………………………………
9
SECTION VIII: PROJECT TIMELINE ……………………………………………… 10
SECTION IX: SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS ...………………………………… 10
SECTION X: EVALUATION CRITERIA ………………………………………... 12
SECTION XI: SELECTION PROCESS ……………………………………………. 12
SECTION XII: INQUIRIES …………………………………………………………. 13
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I. INTRODUCTION
The City of Decatur aspires to be recognized regionally as a compassionate, family-friendly
community with a sustainable commitment to physical and mental well-being, vibrant business
districts, and a citizenry that supports one another by creating opportunities for all to succeed.
To advance this vision, the City of Decatur is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced
firms to prepare a Comprehensive Plan that will guide the City’s future development,
reinvestment, and long-term management. The Plan should be informed by robust community
and stakeholder engagement, current data, and relevant local, regional, and national trends. The
final product will establish clear direction for development policies, regulations, decision-
making, and public and private investment strategies.
The Comprehensive Plan will integrate the City’s demographic characteristics, land-use
recommendations, transportation systems, environmental considerations, infrastructure needs,
growth strategies, and emerging trends into a cohesive framework.
It is the City’s intent that this planning process results in a document that is innovative, forward-
thinking, dynamic, inclusive, and reflective of the values and priorities of the Decatur
community.
In addition to the Comprehensive Plan, the City is seeking proposals to complete a
comprehensive update to its zoning and development regulations. Firms may submit proposals
for the Comprehensive Plan only, the Zoning Ordinance Update only, or both components. If
awarded, the Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Ordinance update will be authorized under
two separate agreements.
II. COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
Founded in 1829, the City of Decatur has evolved from a regional agricultural center into a
diverse and resilient community of approximately 70,000 residents. Nearly two centuries later,
Decatur’s agricultural heritage remains central to its identity, even as the City continues to adapt
to emerging industries, technologies, and economic opportunities.
As the largest city in Macon County (population approximately 101,000), Decatur is strategically
located in Central Illinois and surrounded by several smaller communities, including Forsyth,
Mount Zion, and Warrensburg. The City also benefits from its proximity to Springfield,
Champaign, and Bloomington—each within a 50-mile radius—providing access to broader
markets, workforce resources, higher education, healthcare, and regional collaboration.
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Decatur is home to a strong mix of educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and major
employers. These include Millikin University, Richland Community College, two regional
hospitals, and global industry leaders such as Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Primient
(formerly A.E. Staley), and Caterpillar Inc. This combination supports a diversified local
economy and provides a solid foundation for continued growth.
Educational Opportunities
The Decatur Public School District, established in 1865, serves approximately 7,900 students
and plays a central role in the community. The District operates one pre-kindergarten/early
learning center, five K–6 elementary schools, five K–8 schools, one middle school, two high
schools, a K–12 alternative education program, and a social-emotional alternative program.
Three magnet schools further enhance educational choice, including a Pre-K–8 Montessori
school, a K–8 fine arts program, and a K–8 STEM academy. The District also serves as the
administrative agent for the Macon-Piatt Special Education District, providing services to
students with special needs across two counties.
Millikin University is a private, independent four-year institution with an enrollment of
approximately 1,800 students. The University offers a broad range of traditional and non-
traditional undergraduate and graduate programs and contributes significantly to the cultural and
educational vitality of the region. In recent years, Millikin has experienced notable growth
supported by local philanthropic investment, including the construction of a new theatre and
dance facility and expanded athletic amenities.
Richland Community College provides high-quality, affordable education to residents throughout
the Richland District. With a wide range of academic, technical, and workforce development
programs, the College ensures access to education and career pathways for learners at all stages.
The Dwayne O. Andreas Ag Academy, operated in partnership with Eisenhower and MacArthur
High Schools, allows students to prepare for careers in agribusiness, manufacturing, and
production.
Additionally, the Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center, operated by Richland
Community College, is an Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board-certified Law
Enforcement and Corrections Academy. The facility serves police and sheriff’s departments from
across the state and nation.
Growth Challenges and Opportunities
Like many Midwestern communities, Decatur has experienced population decline over the past
several decades. In response, the City has prioritized revitalization efforts aimed at expanding
opportunities for new housing, commercial development, and public amenities. Key challenges
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include underutilized commercial corridors, an aging housing stock, slower growth trends, and
the need for greater housing affordability and diversity.
To support redevelopment and investment, the City of Decatur offers a range of economic
development incentives, including an Enterprise Zone, Opportunity Zone, Tax Increment
Financing (TIF) districts, and a designated Central Business District (CBD).
III. RELATED PLANS AND STUDIES
The selected consultant must have familiarity with the following previous and related plans:
1. Macon County & Decatur Comprehensive Plan (2009)
2. 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (2025)
3. Jasper Street – Great Streets Great Neighborhoods (2023)
4. Bike Decatur – Regional Bicycle Master Plan (2021)
5. Supply Chain Optimization Study – Quetica (2018)
6. DUATS Transportation Improvement Program (2025–2028)
7. City of Decatur Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (2025)
8. Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy – Decatur & Macon County (2022)
9. Community Health Needs Assessment – Macon County (2024)
10. Zero-Emission Fleet Transition Plan – Decatur Public Transit System (2022–2040)
11. Community Revitalization Survey (2025)
12. Sustainable Decatur (2010)
13. Revitalization Strategy for the Economic and Community Development Department in
the City of Decatur (2025)
14. Macon County Conservation District 10-year Master Plan (2018)
15. Decatur Public Schools Comprehensive Plan (in progress)
IV. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The previous Comprehensive Plan was completed in 2009. Since that time, Decatur has
experienced significant changes in demographics, economic conditions, and development
patterns. Key objectives for this process include:
• Strengthening and expanding residential development
• Supporting employer growth and workforce retention
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This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.
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