I. Introduction

Pleasantview Township, located in scenic Emmet County, Michigan, is seeking qualified professional planning consultants to assist the Township in updating its Master Plan in accordance with the Michigan Planning Enabling Act. The updated Master Plan will serve as a legally sound and community-driven blueprint to guide future land use, infrastructure, and policy decisions over the next 10 to 20 years.

The Township's existing Master Plan was last fully updated in 2009, and a subsequent effort to revise the plan was initiated but not completed around 2022. As a result, the Township possesses partial datasets and community engagement materials from that attempt, including survey responses, which may be used to inform this effort.

II. Community Background

Pleasantview Township is a rural community in northern Emmet County, characterized by scenic landscapes, recreational activities, agricultural heritage, low-density residential development, and natural features including forestland and stream corridors. The Township faces evolving development pressures, while maintaining a strong desire to preserve its rural character and natural assets.

III. Purpose and Goals

The purpose of this project is to produce a Master Plan that:

• Meets all statutory requirements under the Michigan Planning Enabling Act;
• Reflects the current needs and aspirations of Pleasantview Township residents;
• Guides future land use, zoning, and capital investment decisions;
• Incorporates existing data and public input gathered during the 2022 planning attempt;
• Is accessible, visually engaging, and user-friendly for both officials and the public.

IV. Scope of Services

The selected consultant will be expected to provide the following services:

1. Project Management and Public Engagement
   • Work closely with the Planning Commission and designated Township representatives.
   • Facilitate a public participation process consistent with MCL 125.3801(e), building on previous survey efforts.
   • Conduct public meetings, workshops, and/or online engagement tools to solicit meaningful input.
2. Data Review and Update
   • Analyze and update demographic, housing, economic, and land use data.
   • Review and integrate 2022 community survey results and any prior mapping or drafts.
3. Plan Development
   • Prepare plan elements required under MCL 125.3833(2), including:
     • Future land use map and zoning plan
     • Transportation and infrastructure
     • Natural resources and environmental assets
     • Economic development
     • Housing
     • Community facilities
     • Implementation strategies
   • Produce accessible and graphically rich content and mapping using GIS.
4. Review and Adoption Process
   • Assist with statutory distribution, notice, and review processes.
   • Present draft and final documents to the Planning Commission and Township Board.
   • Provide digital and print-ready formats of the final Master Plan.

V. Proposal Requirements

Interested firms shall submit a proposal that includes:

1. Cover Letter
   A statement of interest and summary of the firm’s qualifications.
2. Firm Qualifications and Experience
   • Overview of the firm and key personnel
   • Relevant Michigan municipal planning experience
3. Approach and Work Plan
   • Proposed methodology and project phases
   • Community engagement approach
   • Timeline with milestones
4. Budget
   • Not-to-exceed cost proposal with cost breakdown by major task
   • Hourly rates for staff and reimbursable expenses
5. Sample Work
   • One or two links or attachments to relevant past planning documents

VI. Timeline

The desired project duration is approximately 9 to 15 months, with flexibility based on consultant availability and public meeting schedules.

VII. Submission Instructions

Proposals must be submitted by July 17, 2026, via email (preferred) or mail, to:

Pleasantview Township
Attn: Township Clerk or Contact
2982 Pleasantview Road, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
office@pleasantviewmi.gov

Questions regarding this RFP may be submitted in writing to Lindsey Dotson by July 13th.

VIII. Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following:

• Qualifications and experience with similar projects (especially in Michigan)
• Quality and clarity of the proposed work plan and engagement strategy
• Familiarity with Michigan planning law and statutory process
• Demonstrated ability to complete similar projects on time and within budget
• Cost-effectiveness

Short-listed firms may be invited to an interview with the Township Planning Commission.

IX. Reservation of Rights

Pleasantview Township reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive any irregularities in the proposals received, and to accept the proposal that is in the best interest of the Township.