The Town of Chapin is accepting Requests for Proposals from qualified service providers to develop a comprehensive economic development strategy for the Town that will be the product of a local planning process and will be designed to guide the Town toward future economic growth.

Components of the plan would include the following:

• A detailed market analysis of the area to identify commercial and industrial opportunities as well as regional retail leakages.
• A peer town review of economic development activities in communities (in-state and out-of-state) with similar socio-economic, growth and development characteristics.
• A commercial building stock survey to assess status of condition, building tenure and ownership.
• An inventory of redevelopment opportunities within the town center and mixed-use districts.
• A plan of direction as to the best methods and implementation of annexation to grow the Town’s borders and tax base.
• Any recommendations for the town’s branding and marketing efforts as it relates to economic development efforts.
• An action plan for coordinating with Lexington County on the recruitment for businesses to the Chapin Business and Technology Park at Brighton.
• Consideration of the viability of creating of a local Community Development Corporation (CDC) or Downtown Development District to help implement the goals and strategies identified in the Economic Development Strategic Plan.
• Recommendations and renderings of what future development should look like in conjunction with the town’s newly developed overlay districts as detailed in the Zoning Ordinance.

The plan will need to include participation and feedback by key stakeholders, such as the Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce, Lexington-Richland School District 5, post-secondary education partners, Lexington County economic development, Chapin Community Endowment, local citizens and others with a vested interest in improving Chapin’s attractiveness to potential businesses and residents.

Ultimately, this plan should help create jobs and serve as a mechanism for coordinating the efforts of individuals, organizations, private industry, and local government concerned with the Town of Chapin’s economic development.

The Town’s selection committee will review all proposals based on the above stated criteria and expects to interview 2-3 consultant teams. Following the interview process, it is the intention of the Town of Chapin to negotiate a contract with one consultant.

Commencement of Services

The successful respondent shall commence the project within 10 days after the award of the contract. The economic development strategic plan should be completed no later than July 31, 2017.

The successful proposer shall obtain a Town of Chapin Business License.