Retail Analysis and Strategy Services

RFP available: Monday, March 23rd, 2026

Questions due: Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

NBRA responses to questions issued: Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

Proposals due: Monday, April 13th, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

Contract award: Within 60 days of proposal submission deadline.

Project duration: Approximately four months from kick-off to final presentation.

The selected vendor will conduct a comprehensive ground-floor retail analysis that incorporates new data on current market conditions in downtown areas. This study aims to deliver actionable strategies for the city, non-governmental partners, business owners, and other stakeholders to enhance downtown vitality, with a primary focus on retail and other first-floor commercial uses. These efforts are intended to stimulate further investment in housing, hospitality, and the private sector.

The project will involve assessing occupancy rates, business types, and the physical state of first-floor commercial spaces downtown. It will also identify obstacles to successful retail operations, such as regulatory, economic, and social challenges. The engagement process will include extensive stakeholder collaboration with property owners, business owners, residents, and city officials to jointly create feasible strategies.

Deliverables should include policy, design, and programmatic recommendations to attract investment and promote a thriving downtown. Additionally, the vendor will analyze data from tourism, marketing offices, and visitation centers to estimate consumer expenditure patterns, particularly during major events. The development of forecasts for first-floor consumer spending by category will be required, considering scenarios related to residential, office, local tourism, and hotel occupancy. The project will also review previous parking studies to assess how parking availability and management influence current commercial conditions and inform the recommended strategies.