CITY GREEN, OHIO

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN

ISSUED: April 30, 2026

PROPOSAL DEADLINE DATE: May 27, 2026, 12:00 Noon

Contact Information:

Heather Russell
Economic Development Administrator
330.896.6614
hrussell@cityofgreen.org

I. Purpose & Background

The City of Green, a growing city located in southern Summit County is soliciting Request for Qualifications (RFQs) from qualified consultants or teams (herein referred to as "consultant") to lead the City in the preparation of an economic development strategic plan.

The City seeks a consultant to perform an assessment and analysis leading to an understanding of what needs to be accomplished to support a healthy business climate and drive economic development efforts in the City of Green. The plan should provide guidance and serve as a framework for an economic development strategy

for several years into the future.

Green, Ohio is a suburban community in northeastern Ohio, located between Akron and Canton within the Akron metropolitan area. Originally established as Green Township in the early 1800s, it became a city in 1992 and has since grown into a residential-friendly area known for its safe neighborhoods, strong school system, and steady development. The city has taken a thoughtful approach to expansion by "growing from the inside out," focusing on strengthening existing neighborhoods, infrastructure, and commercial areas before extending outward. With convenient access to Interstate 77, boasting three exits, as well as the Akron-Canton Airport, Green supports a mix of local businesses and commuters, giving it a balanced character of small-city comfort and regional connectivity.

Target key development areas:

• Identify the parameters of a City Center Development District
• Provide strategies to attract high quality jobs and wages to support economic opportunity and workforce diversity
• Target existing vacant commercial, industrial and office spaces for redevelopment and job creation
• Support existing business, and advanced manufacturing and industrial growth along the I-77/CAK corridor

Community-wide Themes

• Strengthening community cohesiveness and identity
• Identifying target development types – based on economic conditions and market demands
• Identify areas of underutilization and potential incentives portfolio

II. Approach/Techniques

We are seeking a clear understanding of each firm's approach and methodology for developing a comprehensive economic development strategy. Responses should outline the techniques, tools, and data sources used to assess current conditions, engage stakeholders, and identify opportunities for growth. Please describe how your firm tailors its process to the unique needs of a community, as well as how you ensure actionable, measurable outcomes that support long-term economic vitality. City staff will finalize the scope of work with the selected consultant prior to contract authorization.

Provide Project Timeline:

This project must be conducted as efficiently as possible while remaining inclusive and comprehensive. A key requirement is that the plan be completed within six to nine months of contract execution.

III. Qualifications

All statements of qualification should include the following information:

1. 1. Project Team Composition. Provide a description of the team that will be assigned to the project including resumes for all team members. Identify the capacity in which team members will be used and identify the Project Manager, who will be the main point of contact during the plan process. Any work intended to be subcontracted must be disclosed, including the name of the subcontractor and specific tasks that will be subcontracted.
2. 2. Firm Background. Provide a brief description of the firm including the range of professional services offered. This shall apply to all sub-consultants.
3. 3. Firm Experience. Outline the experience of the firm and other credentials that illustrate qualifications to undertake this project. Provide a summary of at least three examples of similar economic development projects that your firm has completed within the last five years.
4. 4. References. Provide a minimum of three references for economic development services comparable to this project. Include a contact person, title, address, telephone number and email address.

IV. Miscellaneous

Questions regarding the RFQ must be submitted by email to Heather Russell, Economic Development Administrator, at HRussell@cityofgreen.org no later than May 13, 2026. Answers will be posted on the City's website under the Planning and Development tab in the Economic Development section.

V. Selection Process

The City of Green will conduct interviews based upon a review of the merits of the proposals received.

Upon selection, the consultant will be contacted to finalize a contract, which will include fee structure, project time frame and any additional scope of services that may result from an interview.

VI. Submission Criteria and Deadline

Please submit three (3) hard copies of the proposal and one electronic copy to:

Heather Russell, Economic Development Administrator
1755 Town Park Boulevard
Green, Ohio 44232
HRussell@cityofgreen.org

Submittals are due no later than 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, May 27, 2026