Walker Downtown Development Authority

City of Walker Walker Downtown Development Authority Agenda Fire Station #2 4101 Lake Michigan Drive NW Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 7:30 AM 1. Call Meeting to Order - Record Attendance 2. Approval of Minutes a) April 21, 2026 3. Walker DDA Development Plan RFP a) Review of the draft Request for Proposal (RFP) 4. DDA Business Relations Manager a) Discussion of the proposed job description 5. Central Standale Subarea Plan Update 6. Planning Updates 7. Other Business/Updates 8. Next Meeting Date and Time - Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 7:30 AM 9. Adjournment If you have any questions or are unable to attend a meeting, please contact Jessica Marion at 616.791.6878 Page 1 of 12  City of Walker Walker Downtown Development Authority Tuesday, April 21, 2026 7:30 AM - Fire Station #2 - Upper Level 4101 Lake Michigan Drive NW 1. Call Meeting to Order - Record Attendance Call Meeting to Order - Record Attendance Members present: D. Brinza, S.Gallagher, R. Smith, C. Ludwick, M. Grooters and J. Banfill. Members absent: J. DeGroot, T. Sipka, N. Smith and D. Prato. City Staff Present: DPW Director Gary Postema, City Engineer Scott Conners, Communications Manager/DDA Business Relations Manager Nicole DiDonato, and Planning Director Paula Priebe 2. Approval of Minutes Motion by R. Smith, supported by M. Grooters, to approve the minutes from the March 17, 2026 meeting minutes. Motion carried. 3. Business Relations Manager Updates N. DiDonato reported that business activity remains steady. The Pump House in Standale will participate as a vendor for the summer concert series and is exploring opportunities to host a community oriented gathering in cooperation with law enforcement. The business continues to express interest in becoming more involved in the downtown area. 4. Vista 45 Proposed SAD Costs S. Conners reported that the development agreement is currently under review by the developer’s legal team, with comments still pending. Engineering and Public Works staff presented preliminary Special Assessment District (SAD) annual cost estimates for lighting, landscaping, tree maintenance, snow removal, and other related services, noting that these figures may change as more information becomes available. Members discussed the possibility of reducing, deferring, or partially supporting certain costs during the early phases of the project. The group also considered forming a small subcommittee to further evaluate strategies for easing initial financial impacts while supporting long-term sustainability. 5. Central Standale Subarea Plan Update S. Conners reported that there were no updates due to the sensitive timing relating to upcoming police and fire discussion. The plan is temporarily paused while broader discussions continue regarding long-term public safety needs and potential future funding approaches. Departments are preparing multi-year projections for staffing, equipment, and facility needs, and the engineering staff are reviewing current facilities to help guide future planning options. Members also expressed general support for maintaining strong public safety services for the business community. Page 2 of 12  6. Planning Updates There were no new planning updates. 7. DDA Property Project Exercise Staff recommended beginning with the existing 2023 DDA Project Plan to determine which items should remain, be removed, or reprioritized before identifying new priorities. Using the 2023 discussion notes and ideas gathered throughout the year, members compiled a list of potential future improvements within the DDA District. N. DiDonato organized the list on a whiteboard, grouping the projects and recording the priority levels identified by the members. The resulting graphic summarizes the projects discussed, with DDA members expressing support for starting with the highest-priority items. 8. Other Business/Updates 9. Next Meeting Date and Time - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 7:30 AM The next Walker Downtown Development Authority meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 7:30 AM at the Fire Station #2 Upper Level. 10. Adjournment Motion by M. Grooters, supported by R. Smith, to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 AM. Motion carried. If you have any questions or are unable to attend a meeting, please contact Jessica Marion at 616.791.6878 Page 3 of 12  DDA Projects/Plan 4-21-2026 Standale Crossing & Community Park Connection Fred Meijer Standale Trail (FMST) Connection • Summer concert parking • Upgrade road btwn Meijer & Blains • Connects Kinney neighborhoods to park M45 Mid-Block Crossing • Connects neighborhoods to Standale High Pedestrian Islands businesses and FMST • Allow bikers and walkers to cross one lane of traffic at a time Reinvigorate Standale Plaza • Help slow down vehicle traffic on Relocate/Bury Utility Poles • Partner with GVSU to activate empty lot Lake Michigan Dr. • Improve aesthetic along M-45 • Attract new business • Access management • Support current businesses Property Acquisitions • Catalyst for economic growth Page 4 of 12 Marketing & Business Support • Property redevelopment Relative Electric Car/Bike • Infrastructure improvement • Develop marketing strategy centered around motto of “Come to Connect” Chargers • Assist businesses in incorporating • Ideal for customers of nearby Façade Program restaurants and shops who use Standale motto in their own marketing • Uniformity, curb appeal • Increase time people spend in Standale the Rapid parking lot • Create list of standard materials for upgrading/ • Useful for e-bike users of the dining and shopping as opposed to just renovating exteriors quick stops nearby FMST Public Restrooms Banners/Holiday Lights • Possible location at Harmon Park (accessible with • Look into year-round decorative lighting FMST, outside of DDA boundaries) to reflect holidays/ GVSU home games • Year-round facility Low Art / Tunnel Mural Sidewalk/Retaining Walls • Install art sculptures • Improve pedestrian and bicycle traffic • Build list of businesses open to wall • Safety buffer btwn trail/sidewalk and M-45 murals • Enlist help of artists to design art in FMST tunnel DDA Signage • Wayfinding / Entry / FMST Tunnel Low Priority High  Request for Proposals Downtown Development Authority Development Plan Deadline: August , 2026, at 3:00 pm Contact: Shay P. Gallagher Sgallagher@walker.city Project Description The City of Walker (“City”) encompasses approximately 24 square miles and is located in Kent County, immediately northwest of Grand Rapids. The City benefits from strong regional connectivity, with major transportation corridors including I-96, M-11 (28th Street/Wilson Avenue), and M-45 (Lake Michigan Drive) providing north/south and east/west access. Walker continues to explore opportunities to expand and connect its non-motorized trail network to neighboring communities and regional systems. The City offers a variety of appealing features, including numerous parks, access to the Grand River, and proximity to broader outdoor recreation opportunities throughout West Michigan. These amenities, along with its strategic location near a major metropolitan area, have supported steady residential and commercial growth. Walker features a diverse housing stock, including established single-family neighborhoods, multi-family developments, and areas planned for future residential expansion at varying densities. The City of Walker is a key community within Kent County and part of the greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area. The Walker Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was created by City Ordinance on April 22, 1986. The DDA plan has been amended three (3) times with the most recent amendment occurring on July 26, 2004. The DDA district encompasses approximately XXX square miles along with Lake Michigan Drive Corridor encompassing the Standale area of the City of Walker. The DDA seeks to update its development plan to define its long-term direction and guide Page 5 of 12 its resources and efforts to achieve it. Proposal Timeline*: Request for Proposals Released July 14, 2026 Deadline to Submit Questions July 27, 2026 at 4:00 P.M Deadline to Receive Proposals August 14, 2026, at 3:00 P.M. * The City reserves the right to modify any element of the timeline should that become necessary. Submission of Proposals Consultants must email a PDF copy of t h e proposal by 3:00 P.M. on Monday, August 14, 2026, labeled “WALKER DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN PROPOSAL” to: Sgallagher@walker.city Alternatively, consultants may provide three hard copies of their proposal by the due date by mail: City of Walker ATTN: City Clerk 4243 Remembrance RD Walker, MI 49534 Proposals and amendments to proposals that are received after the date and time specified above will not be accepted and will be returned to the consultant unopened. Faxed proposals will not be accepted. Although questions about the proposal are welcomed, the City will not entertain any sales calls or presentations during the Request for Proposals (RFP) process. Dissemination of RFP Information From time to time, the City may issue responses to requests for clarifications, questions, comments, and addenda to this RFP, or other material related to this solicitation. It is the responsibility of the consultant to check with the City Manager regularly during the solicitation period for updated information. By submitting a proposal, consultants are deemed to have constructive knowledge and notice of all information pertaining to this RFP. 2 Page 6 of 12 Addenda to the RFP Any change(s) to the requirements of this RFP initiated by the city will be made by written addenda to this RFP. Any written addenda issued pertaining to this RFP shall be incorporated into and made a part of the terms and conditions of any resulting agreement. The city will not be bound to any modifications to or deviations from the requirements set forth in this RFP unless they have been documented by addenda to this RFP. Consultant will be required to document that they are aware of all addenda issued, if any, by the City in their Proposal. Questions and Requests for Clarifications Contact Person for the Project All questions or contact regarding this RFP must be directed to City Manager, Shay P. Gallagher, who can be reached by email: Sgallagher@walker.city Clarifications of the RFP Consultants are encouraged to promptly notify Shay P. Gallagher of any apparent errors or inconsistencies in the RFP. Should a Consultant require clarifications to this RFP, the Consultant shall notify the City via e-mail. Should it be found that the point in question is not clear and fully set forth in the RFP, a written addendum clarifying the matter will be issued and posted on the City website. Deadline for Submitting Questions All questions must be submitted to the City by 4:00 p.m. on July 27, 2026. Questions can be submitted via email to Sgallagher@walker.city if received no later than the date and time specified above. City Responses The City, in its sole discretion, will respond to requests for clarifications, questions and comments. Responses will be posted to the website on or before 4:00 P.M. July 29, 2026. General Scope of Services A strategy needs to be developed that identifies the Downtown Development Authority’s opportunities for improvement and internal growth and development, and that identifies downtown-based projects and programs to implement. Included in the scope of services for the Downtown Development Authority Development Plan will be the following tasks: 3 Page 7 of 12  1. Review the Downtown Development and Financing Plan for background and general information about the Walker Downtown Development Authority. 2. Engage in dialogue with members of the Downtown Development Authority District and relevant stakeholders through in-person meetings, focus groups, surveys, and/or other means of communication as appropriate. 3. Assist in defining an organizational mission. 4. Establish short, intermediate, and long-term goals. 5. Develop an action plan to achieve the goals. 6. Provide benchmarking to measure goal achievement. 7. Present strategy results at a Downtown Development Authority Board meeting. 8. Be able to complete the project within six (6) months of the contract execution date. Deliverables 1. One bound, hard copy of the Downtown Development Authority Development Plan 2. A digital copy of the Downtown Development Authority Development Plan 3. Digital access to copies of all public engagement activities, including surveys, minutes or notes from public engagement activities, and other data collected pertaining to public or staff outreach. Proposal Requirements The successful proposal shall include all the following: 1. Provide information on the respondent’s background and experience in the following: a. Complete background including work and education experience of the primary consultant assigned to this project. b. Experience creating Development Plans c. Engaging the public for planning purposes, including methods utilized for public engagement. 2. Project approach and timing. 3. Highlight any characteristics or capabilities that make the respondent uniquely qualified to perform the services requested. 4. Provide a cost proposal for completing the scope of work. 5. Disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest with the City, its officers, 4 Page 8 of 12  elected officials, agents, and employees. 6. Describe any partnerships with any organizations/subcontractors/suppliers that will play a role in this project. 7. Identify at least three (3) references including the organization/business, address, contact person, phone number, date of services, and description of services. 8. Provide examples of at least two (2) similar projects completed in the last three (3) years. Examples may be provided in electronic format or by providing an internet link. 9. Provide a copy of your certificate of insurance verifying professional, commercial general, automobile liability, and workers’ compensation insurance coverage with minimum policy limits as detailed in this RFP. The coverage must be maintained and carried in force for the duration of the contract. 10. Any additional information believed necessary to assist the City in evaluating your proposal may also be submitted. Proposal Conditions 1. By submission of a proposal, the respondent certifies that they have not paid or agreed to pay any fee or commission, or any other thing of value, contingent on the award of this contract to any employee, official, or current contracting consultant of the City. The respondent certifies that the financial information in this statement has been derived independently and without consultation, communication, or agreement, for the purpose of restricting competition as to any matter relating to such costs with any other proposal or Bidder. 2. The contents of the proposals shall be considered public records of the City. Any respondent submitting a proposal hereunder further acknowledges and agrees that the City is a public entity which is required to abide by laws governing public records and shall not be liable for disclosures required by law. All materials submitted in response to this RFP shall become the property of the City. 3. The City or its representatives shall not be held responsible for expenses incurred in the preparation or subsequent presentation of the RFP response. Any party responding to this RFP shall do so at their own risk and cost. 4. This RFP is not an offer to enter a contract, but rather a solicitation for Proposals. 5 Page 9 of 12  5. The City reserves the right to reject all proposals in its sole discretion. The City reserves the right to reject all proposals in whole, or in part, and accept any proposal or portion of the proposal that, in their opinion, best serves the interests of the city. 6. The selected consultant and their subcontractors are required not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment to be employed in the performance of the proposal with respect to hire, tenure, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of race, color, religion, national origin, or ancestry or also because of age or sex, except based on a legitimate occupational qualification. 7. The awarded contract will be governed by the laws of the State of Michigan. The selected vendor/contractor shall not assign the contract or sublet it or portions thereof without the written consent of the authorized City representative. The City insurance and indemnification requirements as well as standard contract provisions will be a requirement of the awarded contract. 8. The respondent must verify that they are appropriately insured. 9. Any proposal submitted shall be deemed conclusive assurance that the proposer does not discriminate in any manner against any class of protected persons under federal or state law. This includes non-discrimination based on gender, race, national origin, age, and other categories specified by state and federal law. 10. The City of Walker is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Evaluation Criteria The selection process will be based on responses to this RFP, verification of references, and any interviews to verify the ability of the proposer to provide services in response to this document. The City will evaluate each proposal based on the following criteria: 1. Demonstrating clearly and completely the respondent’s understanding of the scope of work. 2. Qualifications, skill, and experience level of staff and creativity in conducting a public engagement strategy. 3. Demonstrated experience on projects of similar scope and favorable reference checks. Project Cost. 6 Page 10 of 12  DDA Business Relations Manager Department: Manager’s Office Classification: Part-Time / Non-Exempt Reports To: Assistant City Manager Date: March 2023 Position Description Objective This position serves the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) as a liaison between the Standale business community, the DDA board members, and the City of Walker. The Business Relations Manager provides support for the DDA through project management, business attraction/retention, marketing and promotions, public relations, and fund management. Essential Job Functions An employee in this position is required to perform the following essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. 1. Develop and implement marketing and promotional strategies, including, but not limited to special events, business recruitment and retention activities, public relations, and community promotion. 2. Update DDA webpages and social media to keep information current and timely. Coordinate website maintenance with communications department. Utilize various social media accounts and platforms. Recommend changes, updates, etc. to ensure that the DDA is current in its efforts to improve communication with businesses. 3. Assist the Manager’s Office with various business and financial management activities including development of the annual budget and utilization of DDA funds. 4. Research, recommend, and write grant proposals on behalf of the DDA. 5. Coordinate and lead fundraising and sponsorship activities for various projects and events. 6. Coordinate and manage various events sponsored by the DDA (i.e., Standale Summer Concert Series) in conjunction with the communications department. Work with various staff members to coordinate general activities relating to special projects and events including marketing, organizing, coordinating, budgeting, and scheduling of such events and activities. 7. Build and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, business owners, landlords, various professionals, community groups, and the general public. 8. Work with the City Manager, who serves as a DDA board member, and the DDA board chairperson to create monthly board meeting agenda materials. Submit agenda materials to the Clerk’s Office for publication and distribution. Attend board meetings and present items from the agenda related to various responsibilities. 9. Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications and Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 1. Must possess a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Public or Business Administration or closely related field and a minimum of 2 years professional experience in a related field. Note: An equivalent combination of training and experience may be used to meet the minimum qualification of education. Page 1 of 2 Page 11 of 12 Position Description DDA Business Relations Manager 2. Additional experience in the following areas is highly desirable: finance, marketing, economic development, grant writing, public relations, journalism, urban planning. 3. Requires a valid State of Michigan driver’s license, satisfactory driving record and the ability to maintain one throughout employment. 4. Strong knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office Suite Products: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Publisher required. 5. Must be familiar with and able to use various web-based platforms, including social media sites and website management software. 6. Must be proficient with various graphics or photo imagining, video creation and editing, publishing, and presentation software. 7. Must be energetic, motivated, organized, imaginative, detail oriented and possess excellent time management skills. 8. Excellent oral and written communication skills, ability to perform a wide variety of tasks during busy, sometimes stressful times. 9. Ability to exercise good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness in dealing with the public, members, elected officials, community leaders and co-workers. 10. Ability to exercise a high degree of diplomacy in contentious or confrontational situations. 11. Must demonstrate appropriate customer service competences and behaviors in accordance with department policies and procedures. 12. Ability to concentrate and pay attention to details; also ability to organize, prioritize and work independently and in a busy environment where priorities change as well as schedules. 13. Manual dexterity to work effectively for extended periods. Lifts and carries supplies equipment etc. weighing up to 30 pounds to waist-high-level. Physical Demands and Work Environment The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job. An employee in this position spends the majority of their time in-person in an office setting with a controlled climate where they sit and work on a computer for extended periods of time; communicate by telephone, e-mail or in person, and move around the office or travel to other locations to attend meetings and site visits. This position may be eligible for remote work on a limited or situational basis as approved by the Assistant City Manager. Approvals The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for other performance of the job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. This job description has been approved by all levels of management. Page 2 of 2 Page 12 of 12