RFP for 2050 Comprehensive Plan

Location:	Minnesota
Posted:	Apr 27, 2026
Due:	Jun 5, 2026
Agency:	Washington County
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	66 - Instruments and Laboratory Equipment C - Architect and Engineering Services - Construction
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

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Request for Proposals (RFP) for

2050 Comprehensive Plan

RFP release date: April 27, 2026

Submission due date: June 5, 2026

Government Center | 14949 62nd Street North | P. O. Box 6 | Stillwater, MN 55082-0006

P: 651-430-6001 | F: 651-430-6017 | TTY: 651-430-6246

www.washingtoncountymn.gov

Washington County is an equal opportunity organization and employer

Table of Contents

1. Introduction...................................................................................................................................................... 3

1.1. Background Information .......................................................................................................................... 3

1.2. County Authorized Representative .......................................................................................................... 4

1.3. Schedule ................................................................................................................................................... 4

1.4. Budget ...................................................................................................................................................... 5

2. Scope of Services............................................................................................................................................... 5

2.1. Mandatory Services.................................................................................................................................. 5

2.2. Deliverables .............................................................................................................................................. 8

2.3. Other Requirements................................................................................................................................. 8

2.4. Optional Services ...................................................................................................................................... 9

3. Proposal Content............................................................................................................................................... 9

3.1. Cover Letter .............................................................................................................................................. 9

3.2. Table of Contents ..................................................................................................................................... 9

3.3. Project Understanding.............................................................................................................................. 9

3.4. Scope of Work and Deliverables .............................................................................................................. 9

3.5. Stakeholder Engagement Plan ................................................................................................................. 9

3.6. Project Team Qualifications and Experience.......................................................................................... 10

3.7. Project Examples .................................................................................................................................... 10

3.8. References .............................................................................................................................................. 10

3.9. Cost and Fee Schedule............................................................................................................................ 10

3.10. Proposal Summary ...................................................................................................................................... 10

3.11. Appendix A – County’s Standard Terms and Conditions ............................................................................ 10

3.12. Conflict of Interest ...................................................................................................................................... 10

4. Proposal Submittal .......................................................................................................................................... 11

5. Proposal Evaluation and Selection.................................................................................................................. 11

5.1. Evaluation Committee............................................................................................................................ 11

5.2. Evaluation Criteria .................................................................................................................................. 11

5.3. Interview/Presentation .......................................................................................................................... 12

5.4. Final Selection......................................................................................................................................... 12

5.5. Conditions of this RFP............................................................................................................................. 12

6. Proposal Questions ......................................................................................................................................... 12

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2050 Comprehensive Plan RFP

1. Introduction

The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is for Washington County to secure services to develop a

2050 Comprehensive Plan that will guide growth across the county in the areas of land use, transportation,

housing, water resources, parks and trails, natural resources, and climate through 2050.

The Comprehensive Plan will establish the County’s policy direction for growth through 2050, supported by

clear goals and implementation strategies. The selected consultant will evaluate current conditions and

future growth trends to identify key challenges and opportunities and ensure the plan reflects both existing

realities and long-range needs.

The consultant will work closely with County leadership and staff and build upon existing long-range plans to

ensure alignment and continuity. The final document must include clear implementation steps and

measurable outcomes to guide policy while maintaining consistency with regional requirements. Once

adopted by the County Board, the plan will serve as a framework for policy and investment in the areas of

land use, transportation, housing, water resources, parks and trails, and climate.

1.1. Background Information

1.1.1. About Washington County

Washington County, Minnesota is the fifth most populous county in Minnesota with a diverse

population, including longtime residents, young professionals and families, and new immigrant

communities. Over the last 20 years, Washington County has experienced rapid growth from a rural,

farming community to an expanding urban area.

The County was established in 1849 and has the powers, duties, and privileges granted counties by state

law, codified in Minn. Stat. § 373. The County serves an area of 423 square miles, with an estimated

population of 262,748. The County’s fiscal year begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. The

County is governed by a five-member County Board of Commissioners representing separate districts. In

addition, the Offices of County Attorney and Sheriff are elected on a countywide basis.

The County offers a full range of services including property tax administration, law enforcement and

corrections, public works, parks, solid waste management, library, community health, county extension,

human resources, courts, and general administration. The County employs approximately 1,400

employees.

1.1.2. About Imagine 2050

In 1976, the State of Minnesota enacted the Metropolitan Land Planning Act and gave the Metropolitan

Council the responsibility to plan for the infrastructure needs of the seven-county metropolitan area.

The Metropolitan Council has adopted a new regional growth strategy, Imagine 2050. All cities and

counties within the seven-county metropolitan area are required to adopt new Comprehensive Plans

that build off of regional forecasted growth through the year 2050. The Metropolitan Council completed

its most recent update of system statements in 2025, which provide impacts of regional policy plans on

each local community. Communities must submit updated local comprehensive plans to the Council for

review by the end of 2028.

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2050 Comprehensive Plan RFP

The comprehensive plan will compile and establish clear goals and strategies to guide the

implementation of planning initiatives for the county’s regional transportation systems, parks, water,

and other core county services needed to respond to the county’s continued growth.

1.1.3. Related Plans

Washington County has developed several plans relevant to the 2050 Comprehensive Plan.

• Washington County 2025-2035 Groundwater Plan

• Washington County Long Range Transportation Plan

• Washington County 2021 MOVE Bike and Pedestrian Plan

• Washington County 2022-2040 Comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment

• Washington County 2024-2029 Countywide Strategic Plan

• Washington County 2024-2042 Solid Waste Management Plan

• Washington County 2025 Community Health Improvement Plan

• Washington County 2025 Community Survey

• Washington County 2040 Comprehensive Plan

• Washington County Climate Action Plan (expected approval 2026)

• Washington County 2026 Transit Needs Study (expected approval 2026)

• Washington County 2027-2050 Comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment (expected

completion 2027)

The Washington County 2050 Comprehensive Plan should also be aligned with Imagine 2050, including

the Land Use Policy Plan, Transportation Policy Plan, Housing Policy Plan, Water Policy Plan, and

Regional Parks and Trails Plan.

1.1.4. Comprehensive Plan Sections

The Washington County 2050 Comprehensive Plan will include the following sections. Specific

responsibilities related to these sections and other plan elements are described in Section 2 of this RFP.

1. Introduction, Purpose, Vision, Guiding Principles

2. Background, History, Demographics

3. Land Use

4. Transportation

5. Housing

6. Water Resources

7. Parks, Trails, and Natural Systems

8. Climate

9. Implementation

1.2. County Authorized Representative

The County Authorized Representative for this RFP is:

Name: Macklyn Hutchison, Planner II, Office of Administration

Email: macklyn.hutchison@washingtoncountymn.gov

1.3. Schedule

Washington County anticipates the following schedule. All deadlines are at 4:00 p.m. Central Time unless

otherwise indicated.

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2050 Comprehensive Plan RFP

Schedule

RFP Release Date

Questions Due

Addendum Release Date

Proposals Due

Anticipated Interviews

Notification of Intent to Award

Scoping with Selected Consultant

Contract Review and Negotiation

Anticipated County Board Presentation

Anticipated Award of Consultant Contract

Completion Date

Due Date

April 27, 2026

May 8, 2026

May 22, 2026

June 5, 2026

June 29 - July 2, 2026

July 13, 2026

July 14 - 31, 2026

August 1 - 24, 2026

September 1, 2026

April 1, 2028

1.4. Budget

The County anticipates a total project amount of up to $300,000 for the duration of the Contract. The

County has budgeted $150,000 for the first year of work. Costs for the remainder of the Contract are

estimated to be $150,000 subject to annual budget adoption. Consultants should prepare cost proposals for

the full scope of work covering the full duration of the Contract.

2. Scope of Services

Washington County anticipates a collaborative planning process in which county staff and the selected

Consultant share responsibility for the development of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan. The plan will build on

goals, strategies, and community engagement from recent county planning efforts and integrate that work

into a long-range framework.

County staff will manage tasks including the facilitation of community engagement, graphic design of the

final plan, and writing the narrative for the Land Use; Transportation; Housing; Water Resources; Parks,

Trails, and Natural Systems; and Climate plan chapters. The Consultant will manage tasks including the

development of engagement materials, inventorying previous county planning efforts, technical analysis,

mapping, and writing the narrative for introductory and implementation plan chapters. The Consultant will

also be responsible for ensuring all plan elements, including those drafted by county staff, are supported by

appropriate data and are integrated into a cohesive document that meets Metropolitan Council

requirements.

Section 2.1. describes in detail the services to be provided by the Consultant, and Section 2.3.1. details

responsibilities to be completed by Washington County staff. The successful Consultant will have the ability

to perform all the functions listed in Section 2.1. Consultants who cannot provide the full range of requested

services may submit a proposal but must clearly note any services listed in this request which would not be

provided. Consultants are also encouraged to highlight any services for which they possess particularly

notable qualifications.

2.1. Mandatory Services

The successful Consultant will have the ability to perform all the functions under mandatory services.

2.1.1. Project Management

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This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

Bid Title:	RFP for 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Category:	Washington County Office of Administration
Status:	Open

RFP for 2050 Comprehensive Plan

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