Kingston Springs delays decision on economic development plan bids

The Kingston Springs Board of Commissioners voted Jan. 15 to defer a decision on selecting a consultant for a long-term economic development strategic plan, opting to revisit the issue during upcoming budget and retreat discussions.

City officials said 12 proposals were submitted in response to the town’s request for proposals seeking a firm to develop a comprehensive economic development plan. The bids ranged widely in cost, from about $19,000 to more than $100,000, according to City Manager John Lawless.

Commissioners agreed to postpone selecting a firm and instead move the matter to the town’s capital budget planning session, where they plan to further define the project’s scope and budget and seek input from the Planning Commission.

The RFP was issued in November as part of an effort to create a five-year economic development strategy for Kingston Springs, focused on guiding growth while preserving the town’s character. The initiative has been spearheaded by Commissioner Michael Coldwell, who first proposed forming an Economic Development Task Force earlier in 2025.

Coldwell, who was absent from the Jan. 15 meeting, submitted a written statement that was read into the record supporting continued work on the plan.

“An economic development plan is about aligning infrastructure, land use, fiscal policy and community values so that future decisions are guided by a plan, rather than being ad hoc or reactive,” Coldwell wrote. He added that some proposals reflected “appropriate scope, regional understanding and reasonable cost discipline” in the roughly $20,000 range and urged the board to refine the scope and consider funding the project in the upcoming capital budget.

City officials noted the strategic plan was not specifically budgeted for this fiscal year, though funds previously earmarked for other projects could potentially be reallocated if the board chooses to move forward.

The discussion came amid public skepticism over additional spending.

During public forum, resident Bob Sanders criticized the town for considering hiring a consultant, saying officials should be cautious about committing more funds.

“I’m tired of you spending my money and not seeing any benefits from it,” Sanders said. “So before we delve into another folly, I think we should research it more, before we start awarding more contracts.”

Other commissioners echoed concerns about the town’s limited amount of commercially zoned and developable land, noting that steep terrain and floodplain restrictions could limit economic development opportunities within town limits and in the urban growth boundary.

Ultimately, the board voted to defer the matter and include it in future retreat and budget planning discussions for 2027, with plans to further evaluate proposals and clarify what outcomes the town wants from a strategic economic development plan.