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Cities and counties throughout the U.S. are revitalizing downtown areas, providing more housing, adding revenue generating attractions and repurposing other public areas. There are numerous drivers behind these types of focused projects, with population growth and the critical need for upgrades to aging facilities standing out as primary reasons.

Visionary municipal leaders are planning for the future by focusing on sustainability, public safety and citizen services. In 2025, local governments in cities and counties will offer a wealth of contracting opportunities across various specialties and trades. 

A $20 million street expansion project in Columbia, S.C. will expand public access to the city’s riverfront. This effort will be designed to attract future riverfront development to the city, enhance recreational options and improve public safety. 

Phase one of the project will include construction of approximately 4,700 feet of new roadway and sidewalks, three electric car charging stations, two bike share stations, and other related infrastructure needed to support the roadway. Developers and contractors will be invited to respond to solicitations in early 2025 with project launch planned for later in the year. 

A $35 million project in Dayton, Ohio for the construction of an innovation hub is currently in the design phase. The new facility, which will be located on the former Montgomery County Fairgrounds site, will be dedicated entirely to advancing digital services and integration. The objective is to provide a hub for innovators to design, develop and deliver cutting-edge digital technology for aviation and national defense. The U.S. Air Force will be a partner at the facility and will provide oversight in technology innovation that is designed for airplanes, missiles, sensors and hardware. Work is scheduled to begin on infrastructure and construction of the facility in 2025.  

The downtown Pittsburgh area in Pennsylvania will soon benefit from a large mixed-use development that will provide new housing options for the area. Funding has been made available and various projects are currently in the planning stages. The project’s cost will exceed $100 million, and a construction launch will occur once the design work is completed. 

Components included in this large effort include: 

• $22 million allocated for five mixed-use projects creating 800 new residential units, including 135 new affordable units. 

• $25 million to enhance Point State Park with infrastructure upgrades and new recreational amenities for the park’s cityside lawn. 

• $50 million to reimagine Market Square and transform underutilized open spaces within the city’s Cultural District. 

• $400,000 dedicated to uniting arts and cultural organizations, establishing new programs to support the city’s creative entrepreneurs through an artist-in-residence program. 

The schematic designs for two of these projects are scheduled for completion in late 2024 and construction is slated for early 2026.   

City officials in San Antonio, Texas will soon launch a project to provide additional facilities for individuals experiencing homelessness. The effort carries a cost projection of $3 million. The Commons at Acequia Trails will provide permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and youth aging out of foster care. It will include over 200 studio and one-bedroom apartments and will offer critical support services such as mental and physical healthcare, job placement assistance and educational services. Construction is slated to begin in 2025 with the goal of residents moving in by 2026. 

Fort Worth, Texas will undertake a $25.7 million development project in the historic Stop Six neighborhood, focusing on the construction of a new community center that will replace the aging Martin Luther King Community Center. The new 28,000-square-foot facility will include a library, gymnasium, fitness space and areas for social workers to deliver services. It will also include an adjacent aquatic facility with an eight-lane, 25-yard lap pool, and an interactive play area with a large water slide. This project is part of the ongoing revitalization of an area that has seen dozens of projects over the past several years including new housing and family related amenities. A construction launch is slated for 2025. 

There is no doubt – companies seeking to partner on public sector opportunities such as these must act decisively and early.  Prioritize making pursuit decisions promptly, invest the time needed to engage with oversight personnel, and establish relationships with community leaders. Early involvement is crucial, as these projects often have diverse requirements and a strong potential for immediate follow-on opportunities.  

Mary Scott Nabers is president and CEO of Send Industry Perspectives Op-ed comments and column ideas to editor@dailycommercialnews.com.