Request for Qualifications: Community Engagement Facilitator
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS: RAIL PARK COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FACILITATOR
Friends of the Rail Park (FRP) seeks a consultant to develop and facilitate focus groups and community engagement as part of an equitable development planning process for the Rail Park. The selected consultant will help conduct a community engagement process in support of the Community First Plan.
Context
Friends of the Rail Park, a 501(c)(3) organization, is committed to bringing the 3-Mile Vision of The Rail Park to life. This vision reimagines three miles of unused rail infrastructure as accessible public space, connecting over ten neighborhoods and fifty city blocks while prioritizing accessible development and the betterment of surrounding communities. Phase One of the park opened in 2018 and features a quarter-mile section of elevated walkway that extends from 1300 Noble Street to 11th and Callowhill.
The Community First Plan will build on previous research and planning efforts, including the 2020 Chinatown Future Histories report and FRP’s 2023 Visioning and Feasibility Study, which outline the risks of development and emphasize the need for community-led solutions. The plan will focus on the neighborhoods of Chinatown, Chinatown North, Callowhill, East and West Poplar, and Spring Garden (The Study Area), along with a broader consideration of the Rail Park’s impact along its planned path.
Project Details
Thanks to the generous support of the Knight Foundation and the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, the Community First Plan will allow FRP to address disparities within the community and ensure that all have access to opportunities generated by the Rail Park.
Scope of Work
The Community First Plan will encompass the entire 3-Mile Vision, incorporating input from community stakeholders and outlining a focused set of actionable steps tailored to the Study Area.
The consultant(s) will:
- Work closely with FRP on planning of community focus groups across a number of neighborhoods
- Anticipated schedule of three meetings per week over six weeks.
- Create scripts, prompts, and activities for facilitation of community focus groups
- Work closely with FRP and Community First Plan Artist to develop presentations, meeting materials, and visuals related to focus groups.
Timeline
Planning is expected to begin on 09/17/2025 where the facilitator will observe the Community Advisory Committee kick-off meeting. Public focus group meetings will take place over six weeks starting in January 2026.
Qualifications and Requirements
The ideal consultant(s) will have experience in community engagement and working with diverse communities. Experience in economic or place-based development is highly desirable. Local facilitators are preferred.
Submission Details
Please provide us with a letter of interest that details your experience with community-led development and engaging diverse communities.
In addition, please submit:
- Bio and resume
- Portfolio or website if available
- Three professional references/past clients
Budget $8,000-$10,000 based on experience.
Submissions are due Friday, September 5, 2025 5pm EST. FRP is available to answer questions and schedule calls before the application deadline. All submissions, questions, and scheduling requests should be directed to Amanda Moore at amanda@therailpark.org.
