Town of Bethel, Maine Request for Proposals (RFP) Municipal Planning Services Comprehensive Plan

Introduction The Town of Bethel is seeking proposals from qualified consultants or consulting firms to provide municipal planning services in support of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan update. Bethel last adopted a Comprehensive Plan in 1998 and is undertaking a full update to guide future growth, development, and policy decisions for the next decade and beyond. The selected consultant will work closely with Town staff, the Select Board, the Comprehensive Plan Committee, and community stakeholders to prepare an updated plan for adoption and State certification. Bethel is a small historic town in Oxford County situated along the Androscoggin River at the intersection of Routes 2 and 26, with a year-round population of approximately 2,600 residents. The town is recognized for its nationally registered Bethel Historic District, its scenic mountain and river landscapes, and its role as a four-season recreational destination anchored by Sunday River Ski Resort in neighboring Newry. Bethel acts as a service center in the region for smaller surrounding towns and townships housing the regional school district, airport and commercial hub. The town’s character reflects a deep commitment to its small-town heritage, natural environment, and the balance between tourism-driven growth and the needs of its year-round community. The Comprehensive Plan will serve as Bethel’s primary policy document. The Plan will establish a clear vision for Bethel’s future and provide a legally defensible framework for municipal decision-making, consistent with Maine’s Growth Management Act (30-A M.R.S. § 4326) and requirements for State certification (30-A M.R.S. § 4347-A). As of the publishing of this RFP, a Comprehensive Plan Committee has been selected, and the intent is to launch this process as soon as possible.

Scope of Services The selected consultant will provide professional planning services to support the Comprehensive Plan Committee, including but not limited to: a) Plan Development Prepare a complete Comprehensive Plan document, including: ● Vision statement ● Executive summary ● Inventory and analysis ● Goals, policies, and implementation strategies ● Future land use plan and maps b) Data Collection and Analysis Conduct research and analysis using: ● Maps, GIS data, and spatial analysis ● Demographic and economic trends ● Housing, transportation, and infrastructure assessments c) Public Engagement Design and implement an inclusive public participation process, which may include: ● Public meetings and workshops ● Surveys and online engagement tools ● Stakeholder interviews d) Coordination Collaborate with: ● Comprehensive Plan Committee ● Town staff and elected officials ● Regional organizations (e.g., Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments) e) Drafting and Finalization ● Prepare draft chapters for review and revision ● Deliver a final, accessible, jargon-free and user-friendly Comprehensive Plan in print and digital formats f) Regulatory Compliance ● Ensure the Plan complies with: ○ Maine statutes (30-A M.R.S. § 4326) ○ Requirements for State certification (30-A M.R.S. § 4347-A) ○ Maine Comprehensive Plan Review Criteria Rules ● Prepare and submit a draft plan to the Municipal Planning Assistance Program and interested state agencies and assist the town in responding to any feedback as a result of their review for completeness and consistency with the Growth Management Act. g) Contemporary Planning Issues The Plan must address topics including but not limited to: ● Climate change and resilience ● Natural resources and watershed protection ● Sustainable development practices ● Housing needs across income levels and age groups ● Strategies to attract and retain younger families ● Aging-in-place for older residents ● Balancing tourism and recreation growth with year-round community needs ● Regional coordination

Plan Sections At minimum, the updated Comprehensive Plan shall include the following sections:

Historical and Archaeological Resources — Document Bethel’s nationally recognized Historic District, significant structures outside the district, and known and potential archaeological sites, particularly along the Androscoggin River corridor. Population and Demographics — Analyze year-round and seasonal population trends, age distribution, household composition, and projections for the 10-year planning horizon. Economy — Assess Bethel’s economic base including tourism, recreation, retail, wood products, health care, and education; identify opportunities for diversification and year-round employment growth. Housing — Evaluate housing supply, affordability, seasonal versus year-round occupancy trends, and identify strategies to meet the housing needs of working residents and families. Recreation — Inventory public and private recreational resources including trails, river access, parks, and year-round facilities; identify gaps and opportunities for expanded public access and multi-use trail connectivity. Agriculture and Forestry — Assess the role of working forest lands, agricultural resources, and open space in Bethel’s character and economy; identify strategies for their long-term conservation. Public Facilities and Services — Evaluate the capacity and condition of municipal facilities and services including schools, fire and rescue, public works, solid waste, police, and administrative offices. Natural Resources — Inventory and assess wetlands, wildlife habitat, scenic views, steep slopes, floodplains, and other critical natural features; develop policies for their protection. Transportation — Analyze the existing transportation network including Routes 2, 26, 5, and 35; assess pedestrian, bicycle, snowmobile, and airport infrastructure; identify improvement needs and priorities. Water Resources — Assess surface water and groundwater resources including the Androscoggin River, Chapman Brook watershed, ponds, aquifers, and shoreland areas; address drinking water supply protection and water quality. Existing Land Use — Document current land use and development patterns, zoning, growth trends, and the relationship between development and municipal service delivery. Future Land Use Plan — Establish a future land use framework and map that reflects community values, directs growth to appropriate locations, and protects Bethel’s natural and historic character. Fiscal Capacity and Capital Investment Plan — Assess municipal fiscal capacity, identify anticipated capital needs, and develop a multi-year capital investment plan aligned with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan. Consultant Qualifications The Town seeks a consultant or agency with the following qualifications: ● Degree and/or certification in land use planning or a related field ● Demonstrated experience in municipal and comprehensive planning in Maine ● Knowledge of Maine land use laws and regulations, including the Growth Management Act ● Experience with public engagement and facilitation ● Familiarity with small, rural, and resort-economy communities ● Strong project management and written communication skills

Deliverables The selected consultant will provide: ● Produce a final, fully compliant Comprehensive Plan document ● Supporting maps, graphics, and data analysis ● Public engagement materials and summaries ● Future land use map ● Implementation plan with clear action steps and responsibilities ● Electronic (Word and PDF) and bound printed copies of the final plan

Proposal Submission Requirements Interested parties must submit: ● Scope of work outline. ● Description of relevant experience and/ or qualifications ● Up to 2 relevant written references or samples of past work ● Rate and proposed fee structure. Preference will be given to submissions that provide a la carte options clearly outlining the cost for each piece of the proposed project. Proposals shall not exceed 5 pages. Submission Deadline: August 12, 2026, 2:00 PM Submit as email attachment to: Sharon Jackson, Town Manager, Town of Bethel sjackson@bethelmaine.org

Evaluation Criteria Proposals will be evaluated based on: ● Qualifications and relevant experience ● Understanding of Bethel’s planning context and community character ● Approach to public engagement ● Quality and clarity of proposed scope and schedule ● Cost of services and relevant a-la carte options provided ● Availability

Contact Information Questions should be directed to: Sharon Jackson, Town Manager, Town of Bethel sjackson@bethelmaine.org (207) 824-2669