RFQ – Town Planner – Town of Parachute
Proposals are due Monday, September 21st by 12:00 pm.
INTRODUCTION
The Town of Parachute is soliciting qualifications from experienced and qualified firms to provide
comprehensive Planning Services in the role of the Town Planner. The selected firm will be
expected to provide a full range of professional planning services, including traditional planning
functions, while also serving as a strategic partner to the Town by providing guidance, analysis,
and recommendations to enhance the Town’s municipal code, development review processes,
long-range planning efforts, and overall community development initiatives.
Firms responding to this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) must demonstrate the experience,
technical expertise, staffing capacity, and long-term capability necessary to provide these
services in a responsive, collaborative, and consistent manner throughout the term of the
agreement.
The awardee for Planning Services shall be a representative of the Town and shall work closely
with, and under the direction of, the Town Representative(s) to achieve the services and duties
outlined herein.
BACKGROUND
The Town of Parachute is a home-rule municipality located in western Garfield County, Colorado,
along the Interstate 70 corridor approximately 45 miles east of Grand Junction. Situated in the
heart of the Colorado River Valley, Parachute offers a unique blend of small-town character,
scenic natural surroundings, and convenient regional access.
Originally established as a railroad community in the early 1900s, Parachute has grown into a
vibrant community that serves as both a residential hub and an economic center for western
Garfield County. The Town has experienced periods of growth associated with the region’s energy
industry while continuing to diversify its economy through commercial development, local
businesses, and community investment.
Today, Parachute is home to approximately 1,500 residents and encompasses roughly 2.88
square miles. The Town is committed to thoughtful, sustainable growth that preserves its small-
town identity while supporting responsible residential, commercial, and industrial development.
As development opportunities continue to emerge, the Town seeks professional planning services
that will assist with current planning activities, long-range planning initiatives, development review,
municipal code updates, and implementation of community goals.
The Town’s most recent Comprehensive Plan was updated and adopted in 2023. Following the
update to the Plan, the Town updated its Land Use Code (Title 15 of the P.M.C.) in 2024. The
Town’s current Land Use Regulations and Zoning Map can be found online at www.parachute.gov
or by following the link below:
• Town of Parachute Municipal Code Title 15 / Adopted Land Use Regulations
• Town of Parachute Zoning Map
The Town values collaborative relationships with consultants who can provide sound planning
expertise, practical solutions, and strategic guidance to support the community’s vision for future
growth and development.
SCOPE OF WORK & SERVICES
This Statement of Work and RFQ package includes known required services, however, other
duties, additional services and/or responsibilities may be necessary.
Overview of Town’s Planning Environment and Needs
• The Town’s Community Development Department currently administers planning, zoning,
building permitting, development review, and code administration functions.
• The Town is seeking to contract with a qualified planning firm to serve as the Town Planner
and provide professional planning services on an as-needed basis.
• Planning services are anticipated to include current planning activities, development
application review, site plan and subdivision review, zoning and land use interpretation,
staff support, and attendance at Planning Commission and Town Council meetings, as
requested.
• The selected consultant will work collaboratively with Town staff, applicants, developers,
the Planning Commission, Town Council, and other public agencies to facilitate efficient
and consistent development review.
• The Town utilizes the municipal code and periodically updates its zoning and development
regulations. The Town desires assistance with municipal code analysis,
recommendations, and updates to ensure the regulations remain effective, user-friendly,
and aligned with the Town’s long-term vision.
• The selected consultant may also provide guidance on comprehensive planning, capital
planning coordination, annexations, special projects, grant support, community
engagement, policy development, and other community planning initiatives as requested.
• Planning services will be coordinated primarily through the Community Development
Department, with the expectation that the consultant will be responsive, accessible, and
available to provide timely professional recommendations and technical expertise