Request for Qualifications (RFQ) Comprehensive Plan Update 2026

Description

Request for Qualifications (RFQ) Comprehensive Plan Update City of West Columbia, South Carolina Submittal Deadline: November 20, 2026, 4pm EST Released: October 5, 2026 1. Introduction The City of West Columbia, South Carolina, is requesting qualifications from professional and experienced planning consultants to prepare an update to its 2018 Comprehensive Plan. This plan will integrate modern planning best practices, robust public engagement, and resiliency planning. The Comprehensive Plan will address present and anticipated growth in a manner that ensures West Columbia aligns economic vitality with resiliency, equitable growth, infrastructure capacity, and the protection of community character. The City of West Columbia desires a creative and dynamic Comprehensive Plan to guide its future long-term growth and development. This project will draft a plan to serve as the primary policy guide for development decision-making, including a format of short-, mid-, and long-term goals and strategies. During the development of the plan, the consultant will meet with stakeholders throughout the City, including City Council, Planning Commission, City departments, local civic and community boards, and citizens. Outreach should be approached through multiple venues and opportunities, with a focus on creative and varied community engagement. The consultant will be under the coordination, guidance, and supervision of the Director of Planning and Zoning. The City Council will make the final adoption of the Comprehensive Plan. This Comprehensive Plan is anticipated as a full, ten-year revision, including a new Future Land Use Map that extends beyond the current city limits, as mandated by the State of South Carolina. The City is also emphasizing small-area zoning strategies and incorporating robust multimodal and resiliency planning. Additionally, though not part of this RFQ, the City may seek services to complete a Zoning Ordinance update after the Comprehensive Plan is adopted. A statement of the consultant’s capability for this work should be included with the proposal. 2. Background West Columbia is a dynamic, growing community in the Midlands region of South Carolina. Situated along eight miles of the beautiful lower Saluda and Congaree Rivers, the City is known for being friendly, welcoming, and affordable. West Columbia offers top-level schools, a myriad of dining and shopping options, and exemplary health care within a three-mile radius.