Project Information

Bid Title

RFP: Comprehensive Plan - Zoning Ordinance Update

Issuing Agency

City of Decatur

Location

Illinois

Published Date

Feb 2, 2026

Closing Date

Mar 13, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Bid Title:	RFP: Comprehensive Plan - Zoning Ordinance Update
Category:	Economic and Community Development Bids
Status:	Open
Bid Recipient:	Economic & Community Development Department

Description: 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. Publication Date/Time: 2/2/2026 8:00 AM Closing Date/Time: 3/13/2026 4:00 PM Contact Person: Kylie Reynolds Urban Land Use Planner Phone: 217-450-2302 Email: kreynolds@decaturil.gov Business Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. M-F Related Documents: Comprehensive Plan - Zoning Ordinance Update RFP 2026

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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Commodity Codes

• NAICS 541611Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

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