The updated Comprehensive Plan will be expected to generally address the following issues: land use, code and ordinance updates, strategic growth management including housing, infill development and annexation determinations, transportation, community services, recreation, tourism and facilities, environmental quality, sustainability, hazard mitigation, water supply and quality, economic development, and community character. The City of Fort Morgan requires that the framework supports both the mission and vision of the community and emphasizes public engagement in the development process. The City of Fort Morgan will own the comprehensive plan when completed.

Funding for the project is through the Department of Local Affairs Energy & Mineral Impact Assistance Fund (DOLA EIAF) and City of Fort Morgan Capital Improvement Funds.

A copy of the RFP and associated documentation may be obtained as follows:

1. The City website at www.cityoffortmorgan.com
2. City Hall located at 110 Main Street, Fort Morgan

A mandatory virtual pre-proposal meeting will be held on September 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Prospective respondents must email their contact information to tom.acre@cityoffortmorgan.com by 4:00 p.m. on September 2, 2025 to receive an invite to this virtual pre-proposal meeting. All prospective Respondents must attend this virtual pre-proposal meeting in order for the City to accept their Proposal.

INTRODUCTION

Overview

The City of Fort Morgan is a home-rule municipality 80 miles northeast of Denver off Interstate 76, a major East-West corridor. With a population of over 11,800 and a geographic area of 4.46 square miles, Fort Morgan claims the county seat. As the most populous municipality in the county, Fort Morgan is a commercial, industrial, and recreational hub for Northeast Colorado which projects continued growth. The City received a municipality charter in 1908 and built City Hall which received designation as a National Historic Place in 1995 and was renovated in 2004.

The City was originally platted in 1884 with Main Street as the central spine of the City. The Downtown Corridor and Main Street was updated in 2009 with $4 million from the City's Capital Improvement Funds. Fort Morgan's central park, quaintly named City Park, was first used in 1893 when a group of citizens cleared weeds and cactus to play baseball.

In the early 1900s, the City had hired a band for $500 to play music in City Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the summer months. Additionally, Glenn Miller, the famous band leader, played in the city band during his school years in Fort Morgan. Today the City carries on such history with "Thursday Night Live (TNL)" a Thursday night concert series that runs June through August. "TNL" is held in the Dahms-Talton Band Shell and has hosted bands from Buckstein, Foghat, Warrant, Lou Gramm, to the A Capella band Face. As a testament to fostering the feeling of fellowship the Band Shell was built from over $100,000 in donations by members of the community and serves as an advertising benefit for the community.

The City is also a full-service community, owning the electric, gas, water, sewer, and sanitation services. This provides us with an advantage over other communities. Development within city limits is streamlined through one entity with which one coordinates for all services. The City also owns and operates its own water and sewer treatment plants which treat water straight from the Rocky Mountains through the Northern Water Colorado Big Thompson Project. The City also hopes to expand its water sustainability through the on-going Northern Integrated Supply Project. With the rapid changes in renewable energy the City is interested in futuristic energy development.

The City also owns a municipal airport which is undergoing an $1.3 million aircraft parking apron design and expansion. The project is 95% funded through the leveraging of grants and is expected to be completed in 2026.

Quality of Life

The City also provides an exceptional quality of life for its citizens. Ranked with one of the lowest crime rates in the state, and the best fire protection insurance rating in the County, the City's public safety system is the best in Northeast Colorado.

The City also maintains more parks and open space per capita than the national average, which includes a golf course, nine parks, and over six miles of nature trails next to the scenic South Platte River. The 18-hole Championship golf course lies north of town and the friendly staff encourages travelers to "Outdrive the Competition" off Interstate 76, at exit 80.

The City also provides a public library and museum. The building of the Carnegie Library was initially approved by the City Council in 1914 and opened in 1915 becoming the City's cultural center. In 1975, the City of Fort Morgan completely rebuilt the old Carnegie Library into a Library-Museum complex. Today the Library-Museum is still at the heart of the City, with permanent exhibits, revolving national and in-house exhibits, and plans for upgraded RFID technology, self-checkout, self-return, and automated sorting systems.

With quaint small-town living and big city amenities, Fort Morgan is a unique agriculturally centered community with dynamic funding capabilities. The City of Fort Morgan has previously been named one of "Colorado's 10 most affordable cities" by the Denver Business Journal. It is the City's intent to obtain Proposals that reflect the historical significance of Fort Morgan, maintain the innovative culture, as well as develop and coordinate the City's vision for the future.

Vision

We aspire to be the City of choice for ourselves and future generations – beautiful, clean, and safe. We will achieve our vision through a healthy economy, strong businesses, superior neighborhoods, excellent schools, a vibrant downtown, and world-class recreational and cultural opportunities. We will preserve our City's friendly, hometown atmosphere and celebrate the diversity of our citizens. We require governance that is accessible, accountable, innovative, and efficient with a system of funding that is equitable, affordable, and stable.

Mission

Our mission is to provide and maintain essential services that meet the collective fundamental needs of the citizens of Fort Morgan and to identify and seize opportunities that will allow all residents to realize an improved quality of life.

Goals

The City of Fort Morgan is for People, Partnership, and Progress. Inherently Citywide goals include positive communication, respect for others, exceptional customer service, and leading by example.

Previous Plans

The last Comprehensive Plan was updated in 2016. City Council and City staff want a revitalization of the Comprehensive Plan. The Plan ought to be suitable to the Mission and Vision of the City today and into the future. City Council and staff are in agreement that the plan should be innovative and engaging with input from not only the public, but elected officials, and all levels of staff.

Proposed Plan

It is the City's intent that the new Comprehensive Plan generally addresses the following issues: land use, strategic growth management including annexation determinations and housing, transportation, water, community services and facilities, environmental quality, sustainability, hazard mitigation, economic development, and community character. The Plan is to be compliant with State of Colorado State Statute (including requirements in C.R.S. § 31-23-206), DOLA guidelines and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

The Plan will establish a basis for future City policies and priorities for development. Foundational policy statements, goals, objectives, guidelines, maps and graphics will provide the City with strategies for economic development, infrastructure expansions, and general improvements for community services and character.

SCOPE OF WORK

1. The project shall be completed and presented within a 12 to14 month timeframe from proposal acceptance. The City's goal is to complete the update in 2026.
2. Initial meeting with City staff to review the project schedule, meeting schedules and begin data acquisition.
3. Obtain previous and current comprehensive plans, City Utility Master Plans and other applicable materials for review from the City including comprehensive plan guidance from DOLA.
4. Gathering relevant plans and reports for the Planning Commission's consideration, where applicable and appropriate, per C.R.S. § 31-23-206(1.3). This includes:
   1. Applicable housing needs assessments
   2. Statewide Strategic Growth Report (statutory publication deadline: by Oct 31, 2025)
      Natural Land and Agricultural Opportunities Report - referred to as the "Vital Landscapes and Resources Report" (statutory publication deadline: by Dec 31, 2025)
   3. Colorado Water Plan
5. Schedule and proctor meetings with elected officials (City Council and County Commissioners), the Planning Commission, and various staff members (to include the City Manager and Department Directors).
6. Schedule and proctor presentations for public meetings and focus groups, to include high school students, senior citizens and the underserved populations.
7. Prepare social media, press release, presentation boards and other print material for public distribution.
8. Develop website materials and host a website specific to the comprehensive plan update process.
9. Prepare a demographics composite of the City of Fort Morgan.
10. Conduct analyses to support the Strategic Growth Element (per C.R.S. § 31-28-106(III).
11. Support water and land use integration including a water planning self-assessment following DOLA guidelines.
12. Determine present and future community facility, transportation, and utility needs.
13. Identify future land uses within the City, including alternative land use scenarios for the City that would be considered by staff, the Community, Planning Commission, and City Council.
14. Develop goals, objectives, and implementation strategies that are cost-effective.
15. Prepare document sections, draft and final documents for City staff review.
16. Provide periodic reports to City staff.
17. Present final document at a public hearings to secure adoption.
18. The Respondent is expected to have skills and experience in designing Comprehensive Plans with an emphasis on public engagement of diverse communities.
19. End Product:
    1. A format that is user-friendly, easily navigated, and accessible to the public with minimal technical language or jargon.
    2. Compliant with State of Colorado State Statute, including C.R.S. § 31-23-206, DOLA guidelines and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
    3. Meet all functional requirements with a consistent, integrated look, feel, and aesthetics that respect and celebrate the City.
    4. Extensive use of maps, tables, illustrative renderings, and other graphics that enhance readability.
    5. Printed hard-copy, electronic copy, and copies of any graphics used.
    6. Summarizations in condensed formats (e.g., brochures, posters, etc.) available in electronic format.