Ottawa city commissioners voted on August 12 to make Olsson their preferred consultant for a Downtown Master Plan. Out of 18 proposals, Olsson ranked first with a review committee that included Ottawa Main Street, the chamber of commerce and city staff.

The vote lets staff negotiate the scope, fee and contract, and no contract amount has been approved. City Manager Thatcher Moddie said the plan will draw heavily on residents' ideas and be carried out in phases over several years, aiming to make downtown more appealing to residents and visitors.

Separately, city and planning commissioners met August 26 to review the first draft of the updated comprehensive plan, which builds on the 2004 plan. Once their comments are in, the draft will be posted online for public review.

For details, see KOFO's reports on the selection and Moddie's plans, and the August 12 and August 26 minutes.