Community Needs Assessment

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Queen Anne's County Department of Housing and Family Services is soliciting proposals from
qualified firms or organizations to conduct a comprehensive Community Needs Assessment. The
assessment is a collaborative initiative of the Division of Housing and the Local Management Board
to better understand community conditions, strengthen coordinated planning, and inform future
investments that improve quality of life for Queen Anne's County residents.
The assessment will examine the relationships among housing, economic opportunity,
demographic trends, projected growth, and community well-being to inform future planning and
decision-making. The selected consultant will develop practical, data-informed recommendations
that support coordinated planning, strategic investment, and long-term affordability and quality of
life throughout Queen Anne's County.
Proposals will be evaluated based on the consultant's understanding of the project, proposed
methodology, organizational capacity, relevant experience, and cost, as outlined in the Request for
Proposals.
Complete proposal requirements, submission instructions, and project timelines are available in
the full Request for Proposals. An electronic copy of the RFP may be downloaded at:
https://communitypartnerships.info/grants/
Proposals shall be submitted electronically in PDF format no later than September 16, 2026, at
4:00 p.m. ET in accordance with the submission instructions contained in the Request for
Proposals.
Questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to QACLMB@qac.org.

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I. Project Overview
A. Introduction
The Queen Anne's County Department of Housing and Family Services is soliciting proposals from
qualified firms or organizations to conduct a comprehensive Community Needs Assessment. The
consultant will provide professional planning services that result in an integrated assessment of
community conditions that influence affordability and quality of life. The completed assessment
will support future planning, policy development, and strategic decision-making by providing
practical, data-informed recommendations for Queen Anne's County.
B. Department of Housing and Family Services Overview
The Queen Anne's County Department of Housing and Family Services supports residents through
housing programs, community planning, and strategic partnerships to promote housing stability,
economic security, and community well-being. The Department consists of three divisions: The
Division of Housing, the Public Housing Authority, and the Local Management Board (Community
Partnerships for Children and Families). Together, these divisions address the evolving needs of
Queen Anne's County.
Division of Housing
The Division of Housing administers a broad range of programs that assist county residents in
acquiring and maintaining safe, decent, and affordable housing. Services include homelessness
prevention, housing rehabilitation, rental code enforcement, and workforce and first-time buyer
homeownership programs that promote long-term housing stability and self-sufficiency.
Website: https://md-queenannescounty2.civicplus.com/154/Housing
Public Housing Authority
The Public Housing Authority administers federal and state housing assistance programs that help
eligible low- and extremely low-income individuals and families obtain and maintain stable
housing. Programs include the Housing Choice Voucher Program, HUD-VASH vouchers for veterans
experiencing homelessness, the Maryland Rental Assistance Program, and the management of five
affordable rental communities.
Website: https://qacha.org
Local Management Board (Community Partnerships for Children and Families)
The Local Management Board (LMB) coordinates and plans the local system of care for children,
youth, and families in Queen Anne's County. Its work is grounded in community needs assessment,
data-informed planning, and partnerships across child- and family-serving agencies.
Website: https://communitypartnerships.info

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C. Background
Queen Anne's County is a predominantly rural county on Maryland's Eastern Shore, encompassing
approximately 372 square miles. Though the 15th largest county in Maryland by land area, it is home
to a diverse mix of waterfront communities, historic towns, agricultural areas, and growing
residential centers. Each community presents unique demographic, economic, and housing
characteristics that contribute to its overall planning needs.
Between April 2020 and July 2025, the county's population increased by an estimated 9.2% to
approximately 54,448 people. People at every stage of life call Queen Anne's County home, with
approximately 20.6% under the age of 18 and 23.2% age 65 or older. Together, these demographic
characteristics influence housing demand, transportation, education, healthcare, recreation, and
other community resources. Understanding how these systems interact will help the County
identify emerging needs and support informed decision-making.
Queen Anne's County is entering a period of significant growth, with new residential development
occurring across multiple communities. While this growth presents opportunities to expand
housing choices and strengthen the local economy, it also highlights the importance of coordinated
planning to ensure that housing, employment, infrastructure, and community services evolve
together. Recent census estimates indicate a median owner-occupied home value of
approximately $462,700, with median monthly owner costs of $2,380 for households with a
mortgage. Median monthly gross rent is approximately $1,619. Queen Anne's County has one of the
smallest supplies of rental housing in Maryland, limiting housing choices for residents at different
stages of life and with varying housing needs. As residential development continues and housing
demand evolves, understanding how housing availability, affordability, and market conditions
interact will be important to future planning.
A strong workforce is essential to supporting continued economic growth and community stability.
The county is home to approximately 1,421 employer establishments employing nearly 13,000
workers, in addition to more than 5,500 non-employer businesses. Approximately 67.4% of the
residents aged 16 and older participate in the workforce, reflecting a strong labor force that
supports both local employers and the regional economy. Many residents also commute
throughout the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan region. Recent census estimates indicate a
median household income of approximately $112,000, while median earnings for workers and per
capita income are each approximately $55,000.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau. *QuickFacts: Queen Anne's County, Maryland*. Accessed July 7,
2026.
D. Request for Proposals
Queen Anne's County is soliciting competitive proposals from qualified firms or organizations to
provide the professional services described in the Request for Proposals. Proposals will be
evaluated in accordance with the criteria outlined in this RFP, and the contract will be awarded to
the proposal that provides the best value to the County.

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II. Project Vision & Objectives
A. Vision
Queen Anne's County seeks an integrated assessment that examines the relationships among
housing, economic opportunity, and community well-being to support coordinated planning and
informed decision-making. The assessment is intended to move beyond identifying individual
needs by evaluating how community conditions, policies, and systems influence affordability and
quality of life. Through community engagement and data-informed analysis, the assessment will
identify opportunities to strengthen partnerships, inform policy, and guide strategic investment.
The completed assessment will provide practical, actionable recommendations that support
decision-making by the Department of Housing and Family Services, community organizations, and
local leaders in responding to current needs while preparing for future growth. It will also establish
a foundation for ongoing planning by supporting the Local Management Board's Results-Based
Accountability framework.
B. Objectives
1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the demographic, housing, economic, and
community conditions that influence affordability and quality of life in Queen Anne's
County.
2. Evaluate the relationships among housing, economic opportunity, demographic trends, and
community well-being to identify the contributing factors that influence affordability and
quality of life.
3. Assess community strengths, assets, and needs through data analysis and meaningful
engagement with residents, families, businesses, public agencies, nonprofit organizations,
and other stakeholders.
4. Identify the opportunities to strengthen policies, partnerships, and community systems that
support coordinated planning and improve community outcomes for children, families, and
residents.
5. Develop practical, data-informed recommendations that support strategic decision-
making, policy development, resource allocation, and long-term community planning.
III. Planning Framework
The Community Needs Assessment shall be conducted using an integrated planning framework
that combines housing and community planning principles with the Clear Impact Results-Based
Accountability (RBA) framework. The LMB is required to use the RBA framework in community
planning, needs assessments, and strategic planning.

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The Governor's Office for Children (GOC) establishes the population-level Results and Indicators
that guide LMB planning throughout Maryland. These Results and Indicators are required
components of the assessment. The selected consultant shall incorporate the RBA framework and
GOC Results and Indicators throughout the assessment, including community engagement, data
analysis, identification of contributing factors, and development of recommendations.
The required GOC Results and Indicators for Child Well-Being are included in Appendix A.
Appendix B provides recommended housing considerations and resources to inform the
assessment and support the consultant's understanding of housing conditions and planning
context in Queen Anne's County.
IV. Scope of Services
The selected consultant shall provide all labor, materials, expertise, and professional services
necessary to complete the Community Needs Assessment in accordance with the Project Vision,
Objectives, and Required Planning Framework outlined in this RFP.
The consultant shall leverage existing plans, assessments, publicly available data, and previous
community engagement efforts where appropriate to avoid unnecessary duplication of previous
work. The assessment shall provide an independent, data-informed evaluation of current
conditions, emerging trends, and opportunities for future planning.
The consultant is expected to apply professional expertise and judgement in developing an
approach that accomplishes the Project Vision and Objectives within the anticipated budget and
schedule, including determining appropriate methods, data sources, and analytical approaches.
A. Project Initiation
Following contract award, the consultant shall conduct a kickoff meeting with Department of
Housing and Family Services staff and submit a final work plan and project schedule. The work plan
shall refine the methodology presented in the proposal and identify major project phases,
milestones, community stakeholder engagement activities, and project management procedures.
B. Task 1: Baseline Assessment
The assessment shall establish a baseline of current community conditions and trends throughout
Queen Anne's County using existing plans, assessments, publicly available data, and other relevant
information. The baseline assessment should examine, as appropriate:
* Demographic characteristics and population trends.
* Housing conditions, affordability, attainability, housing choice, and projected housing
needs.
* Economic conditions, employment, workforce participation, income, and commuting
patterns.
* Community assets, infrastructure, public services, and access to community resources.

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* Existing plans, policies, programs, and initiatives relevant to housing, economic
development, and community planning.
* Current and emerging trends that may influence future community conditions and growth.
The assessment shall identify existing strengths, opportunities, challenges, and conditions that
may influence future planning.
C. Task 2: Community Engagement
The consultant shall develop and implement a community engagement strategy that supports the
objectives of the assessment.
The engagement strategy should obtain meaningful input from residents, businesses, nonprofit
organizations, public agencies, developers, community partners, and other stakeholders. The
strategy should seek broad participation that reflects the geographic and demographic diversity of
Queen Anne's County and describe how participants will be identified and engaged. Community
engagement should inform the assessment findings, identify community priorities, and provide
context for quantitative data where appropriate.
D. Task 3: Integrated Community Analysis
Using the Required Planning Framework, the consultant shall integrate findings from the Baseline
Assessment and Community Engagement to examine how community conditions intersect with
affordability, quality of life, and community well-being across Queen Anne's County.
The analysis shall identify key contributing factors associated with community outcomes and
examine:
* Geographic and population-level disparities in community conditions, access to services,
economic opportunity, and housing affordability.
* Relationships among housing, economic opportunity, transportation, education, health,
behavioral health, safety, and other conditions that support community well-being.
* Community assets, partnerships, systems, and public services that support or affect the
County's ability to respond to identified needs.
* How existing plans, policies, regulations, and funding structures related to community
conditions and the County's ability to respond to identified needs.
* Individual earnings, household income, and cost of living to better understand the
economic pressures experienced by County residents.
E. Task 4: Recommendations
Based on the assessment findings, the consultant shall develop practical, data-informed
recommendations that support coordinated planning, strategic investment, and future decision-
making. Recommendations should:
* Address current and emerging community needs.

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* Build upon existing community assets, partnerships, and local initiatives.
* Support housing affordability, attainability, and availability.
* Support improved outcomes for children, youth, families, and communities consistent with
the Required Planning Framework.
* Identify opportunities to strengthen community systems, policies, partnerships and
coordination.
* Consider projected growth, changing community conditions, and long-term sustainability.
* Identify priorities and key considerations for implementation.
V. Deliverables
At a minimum, the consultant shall provide:
* A comprehensive Community Needs Assessment, including findings and
recommendations.
* A Recommendations Matrix identifying priority actions, implementation considerations,
and potential lead and supporting partners, as appropriate.
* An infographic highlighting the key assessment findings suitable for public distribution.
* Up to three presentations of the assessment findings and recommendations to county
leadership and stakeholders.
* Electronic copies of all reports, datasets, supporting documentation, and materials
developed through the project.
VI. Proposal Format & Content
To facilitate a consistent evaluation process, proposals shall be organized in the following order and
include, at a minimum, the information described below.
A. Cover Letter
The proposal shall include a cover letter signed by an individual authorized to bind the firm or
organization contractually. The cover letter shall include:
* Name and address of the firm or organization.
* Name, title, telephone number, and email address of the primary project contact.
* A brief statement expressing the firm's interest in providing the services requested.
B. Qualifications and Experience
Provide a description of the firm's qualifications and experience relevant to the services described
in this Request for Proposals. Include:
* Firm/Organization background and areas of expertise.

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* Experience conducting comparable community needs assessments, housing studies,
strategic planning initiatives, or community planning projects.
* Experience with quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, including
assessments that address the needs of children, youth, and families.
* Experience working with local governments, nonprofit organizations, or other public-sector
partners.
* Any additional qualifications that demonstrate the firm's ability to successfully complete
the project.
C. Project Team
Identify the personnel who will be assigned to the project and describe their respective roles and
responsibilities. The proposal shall identify the Project Manager, key personnel, and any
subcontractors or partnering agencies proposed for the project. For each subcontractor, describe
the services to be provided and the relevant qualifications and experience.
The proposed project team shall collectively demonstrate expertise in community planning, land
use planning, housing and demographic analysis, and child and family systems or related human
services. The Department of Housing and Family Services encourages multidisciplinary teams that
reflect the range of expertise needed to complete the project successfully.
Resumes for the Project Manager and Key personnel shall be included as an appendix to the
proposal.
The primary contractor shall remain responsible for the overall management and successful
completion of the project.
D. Project Understanding
Describe the firm/organization's understanding of the project, including its purpose, objectives,
opportunities, and anticipated challenges. The response should demonstrate an understanding of
the integrated nature of the assessment and the relationship among housing, economic
opportunity, and community well-being.
E. Project Approach and Plan of Work
Describe the proposed approach for completing the Community Needs Assessment. At a
minimum, the proposal shall include:
* The overall project approach and methodology.
* A proposed plan of work describing the major project phases, activities, and how the
project team, including any subcontractors, will collaborate throughout the project.
* The approach to data collection, analysis, and community engagement.
* The approach for incorporating the Required Planning Framework.
* The approach for utilizing existing plans, assessments, publicly available data, and previous
community engagement efforts.

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* Any innovative techniques or approaches the firm believes would strengthen the
assessment.
F. Project Schedule
The project shall be completed no later than March 31, 2027.
Provide a proposed project schedule that identifies the major project phases, milestones,
anticipated deliverables, and estimated project completion date. The schedule should include
anticipated progress milestones at approximately 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% completion,
identifying major activities and deliverables at each stage of the project. The proposed schedule
should identify opportunities for review and feedback by the Queen Anne's County Department of
Housing and Family Services at key project milestones.
G. References
Provide a minimum of three (3) references for projects of similar scope and complexity completed
within the past eight (8) years. Include:
* Client name
* Project title
* Brief description of the services provided
* Completion date
* Contact name, telephone number, and email address.
H. Cost Proposal
The anticipated budget for this project is approximately $40,000. Proposers are encouraged to
develop an approach that achieves the objectives of this Request for Proposals within the available
funding.
The Cost Proposal shall include:
* Total proposed project cost.
* A detailed budget organized by the major tasks or project phases identified in the proposed
Plan of Work.
* A narrative describing the basis for the proposed budget, including any assumptions used in
developing the cost proposal.
The total proposed project cost shall include all labor, travel, meeting expenses, materials,
administrative costs, and any other expenses necessary to complete the project described in this
Request for Proposals. The proposed price shall remain firm for the duration of the contract unless
modified through a written contract amendment approved by Queen Anne's County.