The City of Ann Arbor is seeking qualified consultants to lead a strategic visioning and comprehensive public engagement process for the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. The selected consultant will be responsible for developing and facilitating an inclusive process to identify and summarize the needs, desires, and values of the community regarding the future of the Farmers Market. Insights gathered through this work will inform future planning, budgeting, and strategic investments in the market’s design and infrastructure.

Key activities include establishing essential background and context, identifying trends impacting farmers markets at the local, regional, and national levels, and benchmarking the Ann Arbor Farmers Market against similar markets. The process will assess the community’s desired level of service and alignment with city goals and resources. Consultants will also evaluate current market programs, operations, facilities, staffing, infrastructure constraints, and identify opportunities for new or improved services or amenities, considering their associated benefits, costs, and operational needs.

Outcomes from this engagement will serve as the foundation for future strategic investments and decisions, balancing community values with city capacity. The contract for these services is anticipated to run for one year.